EVEREST GROUP, LTD. (EG)
SIC breadcrumb: Finance, Insurance, And Real Estate > Insurance Carriers > SIC 6331 Fire, Marine & Casualty Insurance
SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=1095073. Latest filing source: 0001095073-26-000006.
Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.
Selected Fundamentals
| Metric | Value | Unit | FY | Filed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 17,496,000,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-26 |
| Net income | 1,591,000,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-26 |
| Assets | 62,514,000,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-26 |
Financials
Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-02-26. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001095073.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.
| Metric | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 5,794,346,000 | 6,622,298,000 | 7,361,495,000 | 8,231,169,000 | 9,598,000,000 | 11,866,000,000 | 12,060,000,000 | 14,587,000,000 | 17,281,000,000 | 17,496,000,000 | |||||
| Net income | -80,486,000 | 828,954,000 | 1,259,382,000 | 1,199,156,000 | 977,869,000 | 1,379,000,000 | 597,000,000 | 2,517,000,000 | 1,373,000,000 | 1,591,000,000 | |||||
| Diluted EPS | 23.68 | 11.70 | 2.17 | 24.70 | 12.78 | 34.62 | 15.19 | 60.19 | 31.78 | 37.80 | |||||
| Operating cash flow | 1,383,600,000 | 1,162,693,000 | 610,069,000 | 1,852,002,000 | 2,874,000,000 | 3,833,000,000 | 3,695,000,000 | 4,553,000,000 | 4,957,000,000 | 3,068,000,000 | |||||
| Dividends paid | 195,384,000 | 207,242,000 | 216,221,000 | 234,322,000 | 249,000,000 | 247,000,000 | 255,000,000 | 288,000,000 | 334,000,000 | 335,000,000 | |||||
| Share buybacks | 386,288,000 | 50,000,000 | 75,304,000 | 24,604,000 | 200,000,000 | 225,000,000 | 61,000,000 | 0.00 | 200,000,000 | 797,000,000 | |||||
| Assets | 21,321,504,000 | 23,563,296,000 | 24,750,992,000 | 27,324,051,000 | 32,711,503,000 | 38,185,000,000 | 39,966,000,000 | 49,399,000,000 | 56,341,000,000 | 62,514,000,000 | |||||
| Liabilities | 13,246,108,000 | 15,222,560,000 | 16,890,195,000 | 18,191,126,000 | 22,985,327,000 | 28,046,000,000 | 31,525,000,000 | 36,197,000,000 | 42,466,000,000 | 47,054,000,000 | |||||
| Stockholders' equity | 8,075,396,000 | 8,340,736,000 | 7,860,797,000 | 9,132,925,000 | 9,726,000,000 | 10,139,000,000 | 8,441,000,000 | 13,202,000,000 | 13,875,000,000 | 15,461,000,000 |
Ratios
| Metric | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net margin | 11.62% | 4.95% | 17.26% | 7.95% | 9.09% | ||||||||||
| Return on equity | 13.60% | 7.07% | 19.07% | 9.90% | 10.29% | ||||||||||
| Return on assets | 3.61% | 1.49% | 5.10% | 2.44% | 2.55% | ||||||||||
| Liabilities / equity | 1.64 | 1.83 | 2.15 | 1.99 | 2.36 | 2.77 | 3.73 | 2.74 | 3.06 | 3.04 |
Financial Charts
Quarterly
Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-05-05. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001095073.json.
| Quarter | End Date | Revenue | Net Income | Diluted EPS | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-Q2 | 2022-06-30 | 3.11 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2022-Q3 | 2022-09-30 | -8.22 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q1 | 2023-03-31 | 9.31 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q2 | 2023-06-30 | 3,650,000,000 | 670,000,000 | 16.26 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q3 | 2023-09-30 | 3,991,000,000 | 678,000,000 | 15.63 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q4 | 2023-12-31 | 3,660,000,000 | 804,000,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2024-Q1 | 2024-03-31 | 4,133,000,000 | 733,000,000 | 16.87 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q2 | 2024-06-30 | 4,227,000,000 | 724,000,000 | 16.70 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q3 | 2024-09-30 | 4,285,000,000 | 509,000,000 | 11.80 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q4 | 2024-12-31 | 4,636,000,000 | -593,000,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2025-Q1 | 2025-03-31 | 4,263,000,000 | 210,000,000 | 4.90 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q2 | 2025-06-30 | 4,491,000,000 | 680,000,000 | 16.10 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q3 | 2025-09-30 | 4,319,000,000 | 255,000,000 | 6.09 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q4 | 2025-12-31 | 4,423,000,000 | 446,000,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2026-Q1 | 2026-03-31 | 4,068,000,000 | 653,000,000 | 16.21 | reported discrete quarter |
Quarterly Charts
Macro Cross-References
- CPIAUCSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average
- UNRATE - Unemployment Rate
- FEDFUNDS - Federal Funds Effective Rate
- CES0500000003 - Average Hourly Earnings of All Employees, Total Private
- DFEDTARU - Federal Funds Target Range - Upper Limit
- DFEDTARL - Federal Funds Target Range - Lower Limit
- DGS3MO - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 3-Month Constant Maturity
- DGS2 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 2-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS10 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 10-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS30 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 30-Year Constant Maturity
- T10Y2Y - 10-Year Treasury Constant Maturity Minus 2-Year Treasury Constant Maturity
- CPILFESL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items Less Food and Energy
- CPIUFDSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Food
- CPIENGSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Energy
- CUSR0000SAH1 - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Shelter
- PCEPI - Personal Consumption Expenditures: Chain-type Price Index
- PCEPILFE - Personal Consumption Expenditures Excluding Food and Energy: Chain-type Price Index
- PPIACO - Producer Price Index by Commodity: All Commodities
- T10YIE - 10-Year Breakeven Inflation Rate
- U6RATE - Total Unemployed, Plus All Marginally Attached Workers Plus Total Employed Part Time for Economic Reasons
- PAYEMS - All Employees, Total Nonfarm
- CIVPART - Labor Force Participation Rate
- EMRATIO - Employment-Population Ratio
- UNEMPLOY - Unemployed
- CE16OV - Employment Level
- ICSA - Initial Claims
- JTSJOL - Job Openings: Total Nonfarm
- JTSQUR - Quits: Total Nonfarm
- GDPC1 - Real Gross Domestic Product
- A191RL1Q225SBEA - Real Gross Domestic Product: Percent Change from Preceding Period
- INDPRO - Industrial Production: Total Index
- TCU - Capacity Utilization: Total Index
- HOUST - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units
- PERMIT - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Authorized in Permit-Issuing Places: Total Units
- RSAFS - Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade
- PCE - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- DSPIC96 - Real Disposable Personal Income
- PSAVERT - Personal Saving Rate
- M2SL - M2
- BOPGSTB - U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services: Balance
- MSPUS - Median Sales Price of Houses Sold for the United States
- HSN1F - New One Family Houses Sold: United States
- RHORUSQ156N - Homeownership Rate in the United States
- TTLCONS - Total Construction Spending: Total Construction in the United States
- RRVRUSQ156N - Rental Vacancy Rate in the United States
- TOTALSL - Total Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- REVOLSL - Revolving Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- DRCCLACBS - Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, All Commercial Banks
- GDP - Gross Domestic Product
- GPDI - Gross Private Domestic Investment
- GCE - Government Consumption Expenditures and Gross Investment
- PCEC - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- NETEXP - Net Exports of Goods and Services
- GFDEBTN - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt
- GFDEGDQ188S - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt as Percent of Gross Domestic Product
- FYFSD - Federal Surplus or Deficit
- FGRECPT - Federal Government Current Receipts
- FGEXPND - Federal Government: Current Expenditures
- MANEMP - All Employees, Manufacturing
- USCONS - All Employees, Construction
- USTRADE - All Employees, Retail Trade
- USFIRE - All Employees, Financial Activities
- USGOVT - All Employees, Government
- AWHAETP - Average Weekly Hours of All Employees, Total Private
- DGORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Durable Goods
- NEWORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Nondefense Capital Goods Excluding Aircraft
- BUSINV - Total Business Inventories
- EXPGS - Exports of Goods and Services
- IMPGS - Imports of Goods and Services
- IR - Import Price Index (End Use): All Commodities
- PPIFIS - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Final Demand
Latest quarter (10-Q)
Latest 10-Q source: 0001095073-26-000022.
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview.
Everest is a global underwriting leader providing best-in-class property, casualty and specialty reinsurance and insurance solutions. As part of the Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) 500 Index, we are a leading financial services institution focused on value creation for our shareholders while diversifying our portfolio and geographic presence. Through our direct and indirect subsidiaries operating in the U.S. and internationally, we serve a diverse group of clients worldwide, providing what we believe are extensive product and distribution capabilities, a strong balance sheet, an innovative culture and access to world-class talent.
As a global leader with a 50-year track record, we are a preferred Reinsurance partner in the markets we serve, and with our growing Global Wholesale & Specialty insurance franchise we strive to deliver consistent value to all our stakeholders.
Effective January 1, 2026, we changed our reportable segments, previously reported as Reinsurance and Insurance, to Reinsurance Treaty, Global Wholesale & Specialty, and Legacy, following the sale of the renewal rights for the Commercial Retail Insurance business in certain geographic regions to AIG. This reflects our sharpened focus on our core global Reinsurance Treaty business as well as the Global Wholesale & Specialty business, and positions the Company for strong performance across market cycles. Accordingly, we revised the presentation of reportable segments to appropriately reflect how the business segments are now managed.
Our Legacy segment primarily includes the divested and held-for-sale parts of the commercial retail insurance business and the results of our sports and leisure business that was sold in October 2024 consisting of policies written prior to the sale and certain new and renewed policies written on the Company’s paper post sale. Additionally, this segment includes run-off asbestos and environmental (“A&E”) exposures, certain discontinued insurance programs, and certain discontinued insurance and reinsurance coverage classes. The Legacy segment does not generally sell insurance or reinsurance products but is responsible for the management of existing policies and settlement of related losses. Certain commercial retail insurance policies will be renewed on the Company’s paper for a finite period in 2026. As a result, the Company has three reportable segments, however, only two that actively sell products, Reinsurance Treaty and Global Wholesale & Specialty, consistent with how the on-going business is managed. These segment presentation changes have been reflected retrospectively. See Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of segment results.
The following is a discussion of our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and capital resources for the three months ended March 31, 2026. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes, under Part I - Item 1 of this Form 10-Q, as well as the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2025, included in the Company’s most recent Form 10-K filing.
All comparisons in this discussion are to the corresponding prior year unless otherwise indicated.
Recent Developments.
Sale of Canadian Commercial Retail Insurance Operations
On March 22, 2026, EUGIL, an Irish direct subsidiary of the Company, entered into a Purchase Agreement with the Buyer, pursuant to which EUGIL agreed to sell to Buyer, or a Canadian affiliate thereof, all of the outstanding shares of capital of Everest Canada, a Canadian insurance company and a wholly owned subsidiary of EUGIL, representing the Company’s Canadian Commercial Retail Insurance operations for C$410 million, subject to adjustment. The closing of the transaction pursuant to the Purchase Agreement is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the receipt of antitrust approval from the Commissioner of Competition and insurance regulatory approval from the Minister of Finance (Canada).
In connection with the Purchase Agreement, (i) Everest Canada will enter into a loss portfolio transfer reinsurance agreement with Everest Reinsurance Company (Canadian Branch), a Delaware reinsurance company and affiliate of EUGIL (“ERC - Canadian Branch”), pursuant to which ERC - Canadian Branch will reinsure certain liabilities of Everest Canada with respect to the insurance business written prior to the closing of the transaction, (ii) EUGIL or an affiliate thereof and Buyer or an affiliate thereof will enter into a transition services agreement for specified transition services to be provided to Buyer and its affiliates and (iii) EUGIL and its affiliates, on the one hand, and Buyer and its affiliates, on the other hand, will enter into such other ancillary agreements as contemplated in the Purchase Agreement. As a result of the loss
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portfolio transfer reinsurance agreement described in item (i), assets held-for-sale will be comprised of only investments and cash at the time of the transaction close.
The transaction is anticipated to close in the second half of 2026, pursuant to customary regulatory approvals and closing conditions. For more details, see the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 23, 2026 and the Purchase Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit 10.4.
As of March 31, 2026, Everest Canada assets and liabilities are presented as held-for sale within Other assets and Other liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. Refer to Note 6 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Adverse Development Cover Reinsurance Agreements
Effective October 1, 2025, the Company, through its subsidiaries Everest Re and Bermuda Re (the “Ceding Companies”), entered into adverse development reinsurance agreements with State National Insurance Company, Inc. and MS Transverse Insurance Company (collectively the “Reinsurers”). The Reinsurance Agreements are supported on a retrocessional basis by Longtail Re, an affiliate of Stone Ridge Capital.
The agreements reinsure potential adverse loss development for accident years 2024 and prior arising from substantially all of the Ceding Companies’ North American liabilities within the Insurance and Legacy segments (“Subject Business”) up to a gross limit of $1.2 billion. Certain liabilities are excluded from the subject business, including among others those related to the Asbestos and Environmental (“A&E”) reserves included in the Legacy segment. At the time the Company entered into the agreement, the carried reserves held for the Subject Business, pursuant to the Reinsurance Agreements, were $5.4 billion.
The adverse development cover (“ADC”) is composed of three layers. The first layer is an “in the money” layer whereby the ADC attachment point was $1,250 billion below the Company’s North American Insurance and Legacy segment liability subject reserves of $5.4 billion held as of September 30, 2025. The second layer is $700 million in excess of the $5.4 billion. The Company transferred $1,250 million of in-the-money reserves in consideration for the first two layers upon closing of the transaction. The third layer is $500 million, for which the Company paid approximately $122 million of consideration upon closing of the transaction. The Company has a co-participation of $100 million in each of the second and third layers. For more details, see Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 27, 2025 and the adverse development reinsurance agreements attached thereto and incorporated by reference in Exhibits 10.57 and 10.58 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. The total covered losses ceded to State National Reinsurer as of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025 were $1.25 billion and $1.25 billion, respectively. The aggregated unexpired limit for State National Reinsurer as of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025 was $598 million and $597 million, respectively. The aggregated unexpired limit for MS Transverse Reinsurer as of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025 was $400 million.
Sale of Certain Commercial Retail Insurance Renewal Rights
On October 26, 2025, the Company entered into an agreement with AIG to sell the renewal rights for certain lines of commercial retail insurance business written by the Company in the U.S., U.K. and Asia Pacific, for an aggregate purchase price of $252 million. AIG paid the Company $30 million for originating and structuring the transaction. In addition, on October 26, 2025, the Company entered into an agreement with AIG to sell the renewal rights for certain lines of the commercial retail insurance business written by the Company in certain countries in the E.U., for an aggregate purchase price of $49 million. The final purchase price under the Master Transaction Agreements will be adjusted to equal 15% of the gross written premiums of the subject business for the year ended December 31, 2025, inclusive of agreed-upon year-end renewals as agreed between the Company and the Buyer.
Under the agreements, AIG agreed to pay the Company a total of $10 million per month for nine months starting January 1, 2026 for specified transition services. For more details, see the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 28, 2025 and the Master Transaction Agreements incorporated by reference in Exhibits 10.59 and 10.60 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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Financial Summary.
We monitor and evaluate our overall performance based upon financial results. The following table displays a summary of the consolidated net income (loss), ratios and shareholders’ equity for the periods indicated:
| Three Months Ended March 31, | Percentage Increase/ (Decrease) | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||
| Gross written premiums | $ | 3,602 | $ | 4,391 | (18.0) | % | ||||
| Net written premiums | 3,186 | 3,735 | (14.7) | % | ||||||
| REVENUES: | ||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 3,574 | $ | 3,852 | (7.2) | % | ||||
| Net investment income | 567 | 491 | 15.5 | % | ||||||
| Net gains (losses) on investments | (10) | (7) | 40.9 | % | ||||||
| Other income (expense) | (63) | (73) | (13.1) | % | ||||||
| Total revenues | 4,068 | 4,263 | (4.6) | % | ||||||
| CLAIMS AND EXPENSES: | ||||||||||
| Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses | 2,217 | 2,893 | (23.4) | % | ||||||
| Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees | 825 | 824 | 0.1 | % | ||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 216 | 238 | (9.4) | % | ||||||
| Corporate expenses | 38 | 21 | 82.3 | % | ||||||
| Interest, fees and bond issue cost amortization expense | 36 | 38 | (5.7) | % | ||||||
| Total claims and expenses | 3,332 | 4,015 | (17.0) | % | ||||||
| INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES | 736 | 248 | NM | |||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 83 | 39 | NM | |||||||
| NET INCOME (LOSS) | $ | 653 | $ | 210 | NM | |||||
| RATIOS: | Point Change | |||||||||
| Loss ratio | 62.0 | % | 75.1 | % | (13.1) | |||||
| Commission and brokerage ratio | 23.1 | % | 21.4 | % | 1.7 | |||||
| Other underwriting expense ratio | 6.0 | % | 6.2 | % | (0.1) | |||||
| Combined ratio | 91.2 | % | 102.7 | % | (11.6) |
[[GREPCENT_TABLE]]
[["","At March 31,","","At December 31,","","Percentage Increase/ (Decrease)"],["(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)","2026","","2025"],["Balance sheet data (1):"],["Total investments and cash","$","45,020","","","$","45,429","","","(0.9)","%"],["Total assets","62,342","","","62,514","","","(0.3)","%"],["Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses","34,649","","","34,312","","","1.0","%"],["Total debt","3,589","","","3,589","","","\u2014","%"],["Total liabilities","47,051",""
[Excerpt truncated for page length; source filing is linked above.]
Latest 10-K MD&A
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION
Overview.
Everest is a global underwriting leader providing best-in-class property, casualty and specialty reinsurance and insurance solutions. As part of the Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) 500 Index, we are a leading financial services institution focused on value creation for our shareholders while diversifying our portfolio and geographic presence. Through our direct and indirect subsidiaries operating in the U.S. and internationally, we serve a diverse group of clients worldwide, providing what we believe are extensive product and distribution capabilities, a strong balance sheet, an innovative culture and access to world-class talent.
During 2024, we formed a new “Other” segment, primarily comprised of the results of our sports and leisure business sold in October 2024, consisting of policies written prior to the sale and polices renewed and certain new business written on the Company’s paper post-sale. It also includes run-off asbestos and environmental (“A&E”) exposures, certain discontinued insurance programs primarily written prior to 2012 and certain discontinued insurance and reinsurance coverage classes. The Other segment does not generally sell insurance or reinsurance products but is responsible for the management of existing policies and settlement of related losses. These segment presentation changes have been reflected retrospectively. As of December 31, 2025, the Company has two reportable segments consistent with how the business is managed. See Note 7 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of segment results.
Our net income of $1.6 billion for the year ended December 31, 2025 is inclusive of unfavorable development of prior-year loss reserves of $657 million. Our net income of $1.4 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024 is inclusive of unfavorable development of prior-year loss reserves of $1.5 billion. We have significantly fortified our U.S. casualty reserves, while taking aggressive underwriting action in certain classes exposed to social inflation, bolstering talent and investing in our platform as we head into 2026. In addition, we have entered into an adverse development reinsurance agreement reinsuring potential adverse loss development for accident years 2024 and prior arising out of North American liabilities within our Insurance and Other Segments and sold the renewal rights to certain lines of commercial retail insurance business. Refer to management’s discussion of consolidated and segment results below.
The following is a discussion and analysis of our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and capital resources for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes, under ITEM 8 of this Form 10-K. Comparisons between 2024 and 2023 have been omitted from this Form 10-K but can be found in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Part II, Item 7 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.
All comparisons in this discussion are to the corresponding prior year unless otherwise indicated.
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Recent Developments.
Adverse Development Cover Reinsurance Agreements
Effective October 1, 2025, the Company, through its subsidiaries Everest Re and Bermuda Re (the “Ceding Companies”), entered into adverse development reinsurance agreements with State National Insurance Company, Inc. and MS Transverse Insurance Company (collectively the “Reinsurers”). The Reinsurance Agreements are supported on a retrocessional basis by Longtail Re, an affiliate of Stone Ridge Capital.
The agreements reinsure potential adverse loss development for accident years 2024 and prior arising from substantially all of the Ceding Companies’ North American liabilities within the Insurance and Other segments (“Subject Business”) up to a gross limit of $1.2 billion. Certain liabilities are excluded from the subject business, including among others those related to the Asbestos and Environmental (“A&E”) reserves included in the Other segment. The carried reserves held for the Subject Business were $5.4 billion as of September 30, 2025 and $5.0 billion as of December 31, 2025, respectively.
The adverse development cover (“ADC”) is composed of three layers. The first layer is an “in the money” layer whereby the ADC attachment point was $1,250 billion below the Company’s North American Insurance and Other segment liability subject reserves of $5.4 billion held as of September 30, 2025. The second layer is $700 million in excess of the $5.4 billion. The Company transferred $1,250 million of in-the-money reserves in consideration for the first two layers upon closing of the transaction. The third layer is $500 million, for which the Company paid approximately $122 million of consideration upon closing of the transaction. The Company has a co-participation of $100 million in each of the second and third layers. For more details, see Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 27, 2025 and the adverse development reinsurance agreements attached thereto and incorporated by reference in Exhibits 10.59 and 10.60. At December 31, 2025, the total covered losses ceded to State National Reinsurer were $1,253 million. The aggregated unexpired limit was $597 million for State National Reinsurer and $400 million for MS Transverse Reinsurer, respectively.
Sale of Certain Commercial Retail Insurance Renewal Rights
On October 26, 2025, the Company entered into an agreement with American International Group, Inc. (“AIG”) to sell the renewal rights for certain lines of commercial retail insurance business written by the Company in the U.S., U.K. and Asia Pacific, for an aggregate purchase price of $252 million. AIG paid the Company $30 million for originating and structuring the transaction.
In addition, on October 26, 2025, the Company entered into an agreement with AIG to sell the renewal rights for certain lines of commercial retail insurance business written by the Company in certain countries in the European Union, for an aggregate purchase price of $49 million.
Under the agreements, AIG agreed to pay the Company a total of $10 million per month for nine months starting January 1, 2026 for specified transition services. For more details, see Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 28, 2025 and the Master Transaction Agreements incorporated by reference in Exhibit 10.59.
These transactions sharpen the Company’s focus on its core global reinsurance business as well as its global wholesale and specialty insurance businesses. The renewal rights of these businesses total an estimated $2 billion of aggregate gross premiums written.
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Financial Summary.
We monitor and evaluate our overall performance based upon financial results. The following table displays a summary of the consolidated net income (loss), ratios and shareholders’ equity for the periods indicated:
| Years Ended December 31, | Percentage Increase/(Decrease) | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2025/2024 | 2024/2023 | ||||||||||||
| Gross written premiums | $ | 17,706 | $ | 18,232 | $ | 16,637 | (2.9) | % | 9.6 | % | |||||||
| Net written premiums | 15,513 | 15,814 | 14,730 | (1.9) | % | 7.4 | % | ||||||||||
| REVENUES: | |||||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 15,560 | $ | 15,187 | $ | 13,443 | 2.5 | % | 13.0 | % | |||||||
| Net investment income | 2,124 | 1,954 | 1,434 | 8.7 | % | 36.3 | % | ||||||||||
| Net gains (losses) on investments | (143) | 19 | (276) | NM | NM | ||||||||||||
| Other income (expense) | (45) | 121 | (14) | NM | NM | ||||||||||||
| Total revenues | 17,496 | 17,281 | 14,587 | 1.2 | % | 18.5 | % | ||||||||||
| CLAIMS AND EXPENSES: | |||||||||||||||||
| Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses | 10,859 | 11,305 | 8,427 | (3.9) | % | 34.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees | 3,461 | 3,300 | 2,952 | 4.9 | % | 11.8 | % | ||||||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 1,029 | 938 | 846 | 9.7 | % | 10.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Corporate expenses | 109 | 95 | 73 | 14.6 | % | 30.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Interest, fees and bond issue cost amortization expense | 151 | 149 | 134 | 0.9 | % | 11.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Total claims and expenses | 15,609 | 15,787 | 12,432 | (1.1) | % | 27.0 | % | ||||||||||
| INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES | 1,887 | 1,493 | 2,154 | 26.4 | % | (30.7) | % | ||||||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 296 | 120 | (363) | NM | NM | ||||||||||||
| NET INCOME (LOSS) | $ | 1,591 | $ | 1,373 | $ | 2,517 | 15.9 | % | (45.4) | % | |||||||
| RATIOS: | Point Change | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss ratio | 69.8 | % | 74.4 | % | 62.7 | % | (4.6) | 11.7 | |||||||||
| Commission and brokerage ratio | 22.2 | % | 21.7 | % | 22.0 | % | 0.5 | (0.3) | |||||||||
| Other underwriting expense ratio | 6.6 | % | 6.2 | % | 6.3 | % | 0.4 | (0.1) | |||||||||
| Combined ratio | 98.6 | % | 102.3 | % | 90.9 | % | (3.7) | 11.4 |
| At December 31, | Percentage Increase/(Decrease) | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2025/2024 | 2024/2023 | ||||||||||||
| Balance sheet data: | |||||||||||||||||
| Total investments and cash | $ | 45,429 | $ | 41,531 | $ | 37,142 | 9.4 | % | 11.8 | % | |||||||
| Total assets | 62,514 | 56,341 | 49,399 | 11.0 | % | 14.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves | 34,312 | 29,889 | 24,604 | 14.8 | % | 21.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Total debt | 3,589 | 3,587 | 3,385 | — | % | 6.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Total liabilities | 47,054 | 42,466 | 36,197 | 10.8 | % | 17.3 | % | ||||||||||
| Shareholders' equity | 15,461 | 13,875 | 13,202 | 11.4 | % | 5.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Book value per share | 379.83 | 322.97 | 304.29 | 17.6 | % | 6.1 | % |
(NM - not meaningful)
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
Revenues.
Premiums. Gross written premiums decreased by 2.9% to $17.7 billion in 2025, compared to $18.2 billion in 2024, reflecting a $288 million, or 5.7% decrease in our insurance business, a $122 million, or 57.3% decrease in business within the Other segment and a $116 million, or 0.9% decrease in our reinsurance business. The decrease in insurance premiums reflects portfolio actions taken in casualty lines of business partially offset by growth in accident and health and other specialty lines. Gross written premiums within Other decreased by $122 million as this segment generally represents lines of business that have been discontinued. The decrease in reinsurance premiums was primarily due to North America casualty pro rata and casualty excess of loss lines of business, partially offset by an increase in the property and financial lines of business.
Net written premiums decreased by 1.9% to $15.5 billion in 2025, compared to $15.8 billion in 2024, primarily driven by overall mix of business.
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Premiums earned increased by 2.5% to $15.6 billion in 2025, compared to $15.2 billion in 2024. The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums was primarily the result of timing as the higher base premium written in 2024 is being earned through the 2025 period; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are generally recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.
Other Income (Expense). We recorded other expense of $45 million and other income of $121 million in 2025 and 2024, respectively. The change was primarily the result of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, in particular, the movement in the Euro and British Pound Sterling, partially offset by the gain from the sale of the renewal rights.
The following table shows the components of other income (expense) for the periods indicated:
| Years ended December 31, | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | ||||
| Mt. Logan cell income | $ | 7 | $ | 8 | ||
| Foreign currency exchange income (expense) | (210) | 58 | ||||
| Gain on pension plan settlement | 27 | 10 | ||||
| Gain (loss) from sale of renewal rights | 127 | — | ||||
| Gain (loss) from sale of sports and leisure business | — | 40 | ||||
| Other | 3 | 6 | ||||
| Total other income (expense) | $ | (45) | $ | 121 |
Claims and Expenses.
Incurred Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (“LAE”). The following table presents our incurred losses and LAE for the periods indicated:
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | Current Year | Ratio %/ Pt Change | Prior Years | Ratio %/ Pt Change | Total Incurred | Ratio %/ Pt Change | ||||||||||||||
| 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 9,382 | 60.3 | % | $ | 751 | 4.8 | % | $ | 10,133 | 65.1 | % | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 819 | 5.3 | % | (94) | (0.6) | % | 726 | 4.7 | % | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 10,202 | 65.6 | % | $ | 657 | 4.2 | % | $ | 10,859 | 69.8 | % | ||||||||
| 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 9,074 | 59.8 | % | $ | 1,475 | 9.7 | % | $ | 10,550 | 69.5 | % | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 893 | 5.9 | % | (138) | (0.9) | % | 755 | 5.0 | % | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 9,967 | 65.6 | % | $ | 1,337 | 8.8 | % | $ | 11,305 | 74.4 | % | ||||||||
| 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 7,963 | 59.2 | % | $ | (5) | — | % | $ | 7,958 | 59.2 | % | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 470 | 3.5 | % | — | — | % | 470 | 3.5 | % | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 8,432 | 62.7 | % | $ | (5) | — | % | $ | 8,427 | 62.7 | % | ||||||||
| Variance 2025/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 308 | 0.5 | pts | $ | (725) | (4.9) | pts | $ | (417) | (4.3) | pts | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | (73) | (0.6) | pts | 45 | 0.3 | pts | (29) | (0.3) | pts | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 234 | (0.1) | pts | $ | (680) | (4.6) | pts | $ | (446) | (4.6) | pts | ||||||||
| Variance 2024/2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 1,112 | 0.5 | pts | $ | 1,481 | 9.8 | pts | $ | 2,592 | 10.3 | pts | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 423 | 2.4 | pts | (138) | (0.9) | pts | 285 | 1.5 | pts | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 1,535 | 2.9 | pts | $ | 1,342 | 8.8 | pts | $ | 2,877 | 11.7 | pts |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
Incurred losses and LAE decreased by 3.9% to $10.9 billion in 2025, compared to $11.3 billion in 2024, primarily due to a decrease in unfavorable development on prior year attritional losses of $725 million and a decrease of $73 million in
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current year catastrophe losses, partially offset by an increase of $308 million in current year attritional losses and a decrease in favorable development on prior year catastrophe losses of $45 million.
The increase in current year attritional losses was mainly due to the strengthening of U.S. casualty reserves. Unfavorable development on prior year attritional losses was $751 million in 2025 compared to unfavorable development of $1.5 billion in 2024. The net unfavorable development on prior year attritional reserves of $751 million in 2025 is comprised of $471 million of unfavorable development on prior years attritional losses from the Insurance segment due to reserve strengthening in U.S. casualty lines of business driven by elevated loss experience in excess casualty and U.S. liability lines primarily on accident years 2022-2024, and $163 million of unfavorable development in our Other segment which was driven by U.S. casualty lines, primarily from our sports and leisure business. In addition, the Reinsurance segment recorded unfavorable development on prior year, primarily related to aviation losses associated with the Russia/Ukraine war and casualty reserves, partially offset by favorable development booked on well-seasoned reserves in the property and mortgage lines. Embedded in the amounts noted above is $122 million of prior year losses related to the ADC.
The current year catastrophe losses of $819 million in 2025 related primarily to the 2025 Southern California wildfires ($512 million), Hurricane Melissa ($159 million), the 2025 Australian Storms ($47 million), Myanmar earthquake ($28 million), Typhoon Ragasa ($20 million) and the 2025 U.S. September floods ($19 million), with the remaining losses resulting from various events. The $893 million of current year catastrophe losses in 2024 related primarily to Hurricane Milton ($320 million), Hurricane Helene ($94 million), Hurricane Beryl ($64 million), Hurricane Debby ($56 million), the 2024 European flood Boris ($56 million), the 2024 Baltimore bridge collapse ($55 million), the third quarter 2024 Calgary Alberta storms ($54 million), the 2024 Brazil Floods ($41 million), the 2024 Dubai floods ($32 million), the 2024 Germany floods ($31 million), the 2024 New Caledonia Riots ($31 million) and the 2024 Taiwan earthquake ($27 million), with the remaining losses resulting from various events. For 2025, the favorable development on prior year catastrophe losses of $94 million was mainly related to reserves released related to the 2022 Hurricane Ian event.
Catastrophe losses and loss expenses typically have a material effect on our incurred losses and LAE results and can vary significantly from period to period. Losses from natural catastrophes contributed 5.3 percentage points to the combined ratio in 2025, compared with 5.9 percentage points in 2024.
Refer to the “Ratios” section for loss ratio analysis discussion.
Commission, Brokerage, Taxes and Fees. Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees increased by 4.9% to $3.5 billion for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $3.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase was primarily due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned and changes in the mix of business. Refer to the “Ratios” section for commission and brokerage ratio analysis discussion.
Other Underwriting Expenses. Other underwriting expenses were $1.0 billion and $938 million in 2025 and 2024, respectively. The increase in other underwriting expenses was mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned as well as strategic actions taken in insurance operations. Refer to the “Ratios” section for other underwriting expense ratio analysis discussion.
Corporate Expenses. Corporate expenses, which are general operating expenses that are not allocated to segments, were $109 million and $95 million for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The increase in 2025 compared to 2024 was primarily due to an increase in other professional services related to consulting fees for corporate initiatives and an increase in lease rent expenses.
Interest, Fees and Bond Issue Cost Amortization Expense. Interest, fees and other bond amortization expense was $151 million and $149 million in 2025 and 2024, respectively. The increase was primarily driven by higher interest costs on the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLBNY”), partially offset by the change in the floating interest rate related to the Company’s outstanding fixed to floating rate long-term subordinated notes, which is reset quarterly per the note agreement. The floating rate was 6.50% as of December 31, 2025, compared to 7.17% as of December 31, 2024.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit). Income tax expense was $296 million and $120 million in 2025 and 2024, respectively. An income tax expense/benefit is primarily a function of the geographic location of the Company’s pre-tax income and the statutory tax rates in those jurisdictions. The effective tax rate (“ETR”) is primarily affected by tax-exempt investment income, foreign tax credits and dividends. Variations in the ETR generally result from changes in the relative levels of pre-tax income, including the impact of catastrophe losses and net capital gains (losses), among jurisdictions with different tax rates.
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On December 27, 2023, the Government of Bermuda enacted the Corporate Income Tax Act 2023 (the “2023 Act”), which will apply a 15% corporate income tax to certain Bermuda businesses in fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2025. The 2023 Act includes a provision referred to as “The Economic Transition Adjustment” (the “ETA”), which is intended to provide a fair and equitable transition into the new tax regime, and results in a deferred tax benefit for the Company. However, on January 15, 2025, the OECD issued guidance related to “deferred tax assets arising from tax benefits provided by General Government” whereby it has restricted the utilization of those deferred tax benefits against the computation of its Pillar Two Global Minimum Taxes to approximately 20% of the originally calculated amounts and only for a grace period of two years through 2026. If the Bermuda Ministry of Finance amends The 2023 Act in response to this guidance, the exact impact of any such amendments is uncertain but there is a risk that it results in a reduction in the Company's Deferred Tax Assets.
On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill was signed into law. The One Big Beautiful Bill did not have a material impact on our results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows upon enactment in 2025, and we do not expect it to have a material impact in the future; however, we will continue to evaluate the impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill.
On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued a memorandum announcing that the OECD framework has “no force or effect in the United States” and disavowing any commitments previously made by the United States with respect to the framework. The memorandum also directs the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury to develop and present to President Trump a list of protective measures or other options towards foreign countries that are either not in compliance with any tax treaty with the United States or have tax rules that are “extraterritorial or disproportionately affect American companies.” The possible uneven enactment of the OECD framework by various jurisdictions coupled with the United States’ response to these rules could cause uncertainties to and increases in our income taxes.
On January 5, 2026, the OECD released Administrative Guidance containing the side-by-side (SbS) package on the OECD’s global minimum tax. The SbS Administrative Guidance introduced, among other things, new safe harbors, including a SbS safe harbor for multi-national groups headquartered in certain eligible jurisdictions, now limited to the US. Qualification for this safe harbor would exempt companies from the OECD global minimum tax. We expect additional Administrative Guidance in the future providing implementation guidance on the SbS. Accordingly, the OECD’s global minimum tax could be subject to further changes that will continue to cause uncertainties related to income taxes payable by our company.
Net Income (Loss).
Our net income was $1.6 billion and $1.4 billion in 2025 and 2024, respectively. The period over period changes in net income were primarily driven by the financial component fluctuations explained above.
Ratios.
Our combined ratio decreased by 3.7 points to 98.6% in 2025, compared to 102.3% in 2024. The current year decrease is primarily due to lower unfavorable prior year development on attritional losses and lower current year catastrophe losses.
The loss ratio component decreased by 4.6 points to 69.8% in 2025, compared to 74.4% in 2024. The decrease was mainly due to a decrease of $73 million in current year catastrophe losses and lower unfavorable prior year development on attritional losses.
The commission and brokerage ratio components increased to 22.2% in 2025, compared to 21.7% in 2024. The increase was mainly due to changes in the mix of business.
The other underwriting expense ratio increased to 6.6% in 2025, compared to 6.2% in 2024. The increase was due to higher Insurance segment expenses driven by strategic actions, offset by Reinsurance segment continued leverage against its premium base.
Shareholders’ Equity.
Shareholders’ equity increased by $1.6 billion to $15.5 billion at December 31, 2025 from $13.9 billion at December 31, 2024, principally as a result of $1.6 billion of net income, $854 million of unrealized appreciation on fixed income available for sale securities, net of tax and $242 million of net foreign currency translation gains, partially offset by $797 million of share repurchases and $335 million of shareholder dividends.
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Consolidated Investment Results
Net Investment Income.
Net investment income increased by 8.7% to $2.1 billion in 2025, compared with net investment income of $2.0 billion in 2024. The increase was primarily the result of an increase of $91 million in fixed maturities, an increase of $71 million in income from limited partnerships and an increase of $20 million in income from other alternative investments. The limited partnership income primarily reflects changes in their reported net asset values. As such, until these asset values are monetized and the resultant income is distributed, they are subject to volatile results of future increases or decreases in the asset value.
The following table shows the components of net investment income for the periods indicated:
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Fixed maturities | $ | 1,572 | $ | 1,481 | $ | 1,153 | ||||
| Equity securities | 4 | 3 | 3 | |||||||
| Short-term investments and cash | 169 | 195 | 140 | |||||||
| Other invested assets | ||||||||||
| Limited partnerships | 277 | 206 | 122 | |||||||
| Other | 124 | 104 | 59 | |||||||
| Gross investment income before adjustments | 2,146 | 1,989 | 1,477 | |||||||
| Funds held interest income (expense) | 26 | 26 | 10 | |||||||
| Future policy benefit reserve income (expense) | (1) | (1) | (1) | |||||||
| Gross investment income | 2,172 | 2,013 | 1,486 | |||||||
| Investment expenses | 48 | 59 | 53 | |||||||
| Net investment income | $ | 2,124 | $ | 1,954 | $ | 1,434 |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
The following tables show a comparison of various investment yields for the periods indicated:
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annualized pre-tax yield on average cash and invested assets | 4.8 | % | 4.9 | % | 4.1 | % | ||
| Annualized after-tax yield on average cash and invested assets | 4.0 | % | 4.2 | % | 3.6 | % | ||
| Annualized return on invested assets | 4.5 | % | 4.9 | % | 3.3 | % |
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed income portfolio total return | 8.5 | % | 4.0 | % | 6.8 | % | ||
| Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Index | 7.3 | % | 1.3 | % | 5.5 | % | ||
| Common equity portfolio total return | 11.0 | % | 10.9 | % | 17.6 | % | ||
| S&P 500 index | 17.8 | % | 25.0 | % | 26.3 | % | ||
| Other invested asset portfolio total return | 7.4 | % | 6.5 | % | 4.3 | % |
The pre-tax equivalent total return for the bond portfolio was approximately 8.5% and 4.0%, respectively, in 2025 and 2024. The pre-tax equivalent return adjusts the yield on tax-exempt bonds to the fully taxable equivalent.
Invested Assets.
The Company’s cash and invested assets totaled $45.4 billion at December 31, 2025, which consisted of 86.8% fixed maturities, short term investments and cash and 13.2% of other invested assets and equity securities. Of the total fixed maturities, 98.1% were investment grade. Additionally, the average maturity of fixed maturity securities was 4.9 years at December 31, 2025, and their overall average duration was 3.4 years.
As of December 31, 2025, the Company did not have any direct investments in commercial real estate, direct commercial mortgages or securities of issuers that are experiencing cash flow difficulty to an extent that the Company’s management believes that the issuer’s ability to meet debt service payments, except where an allowance for credit losses has been recognized, is threatened.
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The Company’s investment portfolio includes structured commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) with a book value of $1.6 billion and a fair value of $1.5 billion. As of December 31, 2025, 64.3% of CMBS securities in our investment portfolio are rated AAA by nationally recognized rating agencies. The remainder of CMBS securities in our investment portfolio are rated investment grade by nationally recognized rating agencies.
The following table represents the credit quality distribution of the Company’s fixed maturities for the periods indicated:
| At December 31, | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | Fair Value/Amortized Cost (1) | Percent of Total | Fair Value/Amortized Cost (1) | Percent of Total | |||||||||
| Rating Agency Credit Quality Distribution: | |||||||||||||
| AAA | $ | 6,589 | 18.8 | % | $ | 6,934 | 23.4 | % | |||||
| AA | 10,532 | 30.0 | % | 8,971 | 30.2 | % | |||||||
| A | 12,354 | 35.2 | % | 8,216 | 27.7 | % | |||||||
| BBB | 5,008 | 14.3 | % | 4,464 | 15.0 | % | |||||||
| BB | 427 | 1.2 | % | 738 | 2.5 | % | |||||||
| B | 69 | 0.2 | % | 103 | 0.3 | % | |||||||
| Rated below B | 28 | 0.1 | % | 32 | 0.1 | % | |||||||
| Other | 133 | 0.4 | % | 206 | 0.7 | % | |||||||
| Total | $ | 35,140 | 100.0 | % | $ | 29,665 | 100.0 | % |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
(1) Fixed maturities-available for sale are at fair value and fixed maturities-held to maturity are at amortized cost, net of allowances for credit losses.
The following table summarizes fixed maturities by contractual maturity for the periods indicated:
| At December 31, | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | Fair Value/Amortized Cost (1) (2) | Percent of Total | Fair Value/Amortized Cost (1) (2) | Percent of Total | |||||||||
| Fixed maturity securities | |||||||||||||
| Due in one year or less | $ | 1,430 | 4.1 | % | $ | 1,087 | 3.7 | % | |||||
| Due after one year through five years | 10,886 | 31.0 | % | 8,546 | 28.8 | % | |||||||
| Due after five years through ten years | 6,785 | 19.3 | % | 4,560 | 15.4 | % | |||||||
| Due after ten years | 1,918 | 5.5 | % | 1,871 | 6.3 | % | |||||||
| Asset-backed securities | 5,402 | 15.4 | % | 6,462 | 21.8 | % | |||||||
| Mortgage-backed securities | 8,719 | 24.8 | % | 7,141 | 24.1 | % | |||||||
| Total fixed maturity securities | $ | 35,140 | 100.0 | % | $ | 29,665 | 100.0 | % |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
(1) Fixed maturities-available for sale are at fair value and fixed maturities-held to maturity are at amortized cost, net of allowances for credit losses.
(2) The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities are shown by contractual maturity. Mortgage-backed securities are generally more likely to be prepaid than other fixed maturity securities. As the stated maturity of such securities may not be indicative of actual maturities, the totals for mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are shown separately.
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Net Gains (Losses) on Investments.
The following table presents the composition of our net gains (losses) on investments for the periods indicated:
| Years Ended December 31, | 2025/2024 | 2024/2023 | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | Variance | Variance | |||||||||||||
| Realized gains (losses) from dispositions: | ||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed maturity securities - available for sale | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gains | $ | 48 | $ | 166 | $ | 35 | $ | (119) | $ | 131 | ||||||||
| Losses | (159) | (160) | (327) | 1 | 167 | |||||||||||||
| Total | (111) | 6 | (292) | (118) | 298 | |||||||||||||
| Fixed maturity securities - held to maturity | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gains | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||
| Losses | (1) | — | — | (1) | — | |||||||||||||
| Total | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||
| Equity securities | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gains | — | 2 | 8 | (1) | (7) | |||||||||||||
| Losses | (1) | (1) | — | — | (1) | |||||||||||||
| Total | (1) | 1 | 8 | (1) | (7) | |||||||||||||
| Other Invested Assets | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gains | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||
| Losses | — | (1) | — | 1 | (1) | |||||||||||||
| Total | — | (1) | — | 1 | (1) | |||||||||||||
| Short Term Investments | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gains | — | 1 | 1 | — | — | |||||||||||||
| Losses | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||
| Total | — | 1 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||
| Total net realized gains (losses) from dispositions | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gains | 49 | 169 | 44 | (120) | 125 | |||||||||||||
| Losses | (161) | (162) | (327) | 1 | 165 | |||||||||||||
| Total | (112) | 7 | (283) | (119) | 290 | |||||||||||||
| Allowance for credit losses | (30) | 13 | 7 | (43) | 6 | |||||||||||||
| Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments | ||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities | (1) | (1) | — | — | (1) | |||||||||||||
| Total | (1) | (1) | — | — | (1) | |||||||||||||
| Total net gains (losses) on investments | $ | (143) | $ | 19 | $ | (276) | $ | (161) | $ | 295 |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
Total net gains (losses) on investments in 2025 primarily consist of $112 million of net losses due to the disposition of investments and an increase to the allowance for credit losses of $30 million.
Segment Results.
Our two reportable segments, Reinsurance and Insurance, each have executive leadership who are responsible for the overall performance of their respective segments and who are directly accountable to our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), the Chief Executive Officer of Everest Group, Ltd., who is ultimately responsible for reviewing the business to assess performance, make operating decisions and allocate resources. We report the results of our operations consistent with the manner in which our CODM reviews the business.
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During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company revised its classification and presentation of certain run-off business, previously included within the Reinsurance and Insurance reportable segments, as part of a new segment called "Other". The Other segment includes the results of our sports and leisure business sold in October 2024, consisting of policies written prior to the sale and polices renewed and certain new business written on the Company’s paper post-sale. It also includes run-off A&E exposures, certain discontinued insurance programs primarily written prior to 2012 and certain discontinued insurance and reinsurance coverage classes. The Other segment does not generally sell insurance or reinsurance products but is responsible for the management of existing policies and settlement of related losses. These segment presentation changes have been reflected retrospectively.
The Company does not review and evaluate the financial results of its segments based upon balance sheet data. Management generally monitors and evaluates the financial performance of these segments based upon their underwriting results. Underwriting results include earned premium less losses and LAE incurred, commission and brokerage expenses and other underwriting expenses. The Company measures its underwriting results using ratios, in particular, loss, commission and brokerage and other underwriting expense ratios, which, respectively, divide incurred losses, commissions and brokerage and other underwriting expenses by premiums earned. Management has determined that these measures are appropriate and align with how the business is managed. We continue to evaluate our segments as our business evolves and may further refine our segments and financial performance measures.
The following discusses the underwriting results for each of our segments for the periods indicated.
Reinsurance.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the Reinsurance segment for the periods indicated:
| Years Ended December 31, | 2025/2024 | 2024/2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | Variance | % Change | Variance | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gross written premiums | $ | 12,825 | $ | 12,941 | $ | 11,460 | $ | (116) | (0.9) | % | $ | 1,481 | 12.9 | % | |||||||||||
| Net written premiums | 11,791 | 11,969 | 10,802 | (178) | (1.5) | % | 1,167 | 10.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 11,732 | $ | 11,412 | $ | 9,799 | $ | 320 | 2.8 | % | $ | 1,613 | 16.5 | % | |||||||||||
| Incurred losses and LAE | 7,517 | 7,103 | 5,690 | 414 | 5.8 | % | 1,413 | 24.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Commission and brokerage | 2,952 | 2,837 | 2,520 | 114 | 4.0 | % | 317 | 12.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 291 | 290 | 254 | 1 | 0.2 | % | 36 | 14.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Underwriting gain (loss) | $ | 972 | $ | 1,181 | $ | 1,334 | $ | (209) | (17.7) | % | $ | (153) | (11.5) | % | |||||||||||
| Point Chg | Point Chg | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss ratio | 64.1 | % | 62.2 | % | 58.1 | % | 1.8 | 4.2 | |||||||||||||||||
| Commission and brokerage ratio | 25.2 | % | 24.9 | % | 25.7 | % | 0.3 | (0.8) | |||||||||||||||||
| Other underwriting expense ratio | 2.5 | % | 2.5 | % | 2.6 | % | (0.1) | (0.1) | |||||||||||||||||
| Combined ratio | 91.7 | % | 89.7 | % | 86.4 | % | 2.1 | 3.3 |
(NM, not meaningful)
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
Premiums. Gross written premiums decreased by 0.9% to $12.8 billion in 2025 from $12.9 billion in 2024. The decrease in gross written premiums was primarily due to North America casualty pro rata and casualty excess of loss lines of business, partially offset by an increase in the property book of business and financial lines business.
Net written premiums decreased by 1.5% to $11.8 billion in 2025, compared to $12.0 billion in 2024. The current year over prior year decrease was primarily due to changes in cessions and overall mix of business
Premiums earned increased by 2.8% to $11.7 billion in 2025, compared to $11.4 billion in 2024, primarily driven by increased property pro rata business written that was recorded over the prior quarters which are now being earned, partially offset by casualty pro rata lines. The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period, whereas written premiums are generally recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.
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Incurred Losses and LAE. The following table presents the incurred losses and LAE for the Reinsurance segment for the periods indicated:
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | Current Year | Ratio %/ Pt Change | Prior Years | Ratio %/ Pt Change | Total Incurred | Ratio %/ Pt Change | ||||||||||||||
| 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 6,720 | 57.3 | % | $ | 117 | 1.0 | % | 6,837 | 58.3 | % | |||||||||
| Catastrophes | 768 | 6.6 | % | (89) | (0.8) | % | 679 | 5.8 | % | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 7,489 | 63.8 | % | $ | 28 | 0.2 | % | $ | 7,517 | 64.1 | % | ||||||||
| 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 6,456 | 56.6 | % | $ | — | — | % | $ | 6,456 | 56.6 | % | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 772 | 6.8 | % | (125) | (1.1) | % | 647 | 5.7 | % | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 7,228 | 63.3 | % | $ | (125) | (1.1) | % | $ | 7,103 | 62.2 | % | ||||||||
| 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 5,641 | 57.6 | % | $ | (401) | (4.1) | % | $ | 5,241 | 53.5 | % | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 449 | 4.6 | % | — | — | % | 449 | 4.6 | % | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 6,091 | 62.2 | % | $ | (401) | (4.1) | % | $ | 5,690 | 58.1 | % | ||||||||
| Variance 2025/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 264 | 0.7 | pts | $ | 117 | 1.0 | pts | $ | 381 | 1.7 | pts | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | (3) | (0.2) | pts | 36 | 0.3 | pts | 33 | 0.1 | pts | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 260 | 0.5 | pts | $ | 153 | 1.3 | pts | $ | 414 | 1.8 | pts | ||||||||
| Variance 2024/2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 815 | (1.0) | pts | $ | 401 | 4.1 | pts | $ | 1,216 | 3.1 | pts | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 322 | 2.2 | pts | (125) | (1.1) | pts | 197 | 1.1 | pts | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 1,137 | 1.2 | pts | $ | 276 | 3.0 | pts | $ | 1,413 | 4.2 | pts |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
Incurred losses increased by 5.8% to $7.5 billion in 2025, compared to $7.1 billion in 2024. The increase was primarily due to an increase of $264 million in current year attritional losses, an increase in unfavorable development on prior year attritional reserves of $117 million and a decrease in favorable development on prior year catastrophe losses of $36 million, partially offset by a decrease of $3 million in current year catastrophe losses.
The increase in current year attritional losses was mainly related to the impact of the increase in premiums earned, the impact of the Washington D.C. aviation accident during the first quarter and reserve strengthening on the U.S. casualty business. The unfavorable development on prior year attritional reserves was mainly driven by aviation losses associated with the Russia/Ukraine war and casualty reserves, partially offset by favorable development booked on well-seasoned reserves in the property and mortgage lines.
The current year catastrophe losses of $768 million in 2025 related primarily to the 2025 Southern California wildfires ($502 million), Hurricane Melissa ($143 million), the 2025 Australian Storms ($47 million), Myanmar earthquake ($20 million) and Typhoon Ragasa ($20 million), with the remaining losses resulting from various events. The $772 million of current year catastrophe losses in 2024 related primarily to Hurricane Milton ($275 million), Hurricane Helene ($64 million), Hurricane Debby ($55 million), Hurricane Beryl ($54 million), the 2024 European flood Boris ($50 million), the 2024 Baltimore bridge collapse ($50 million), the third quarter 2024 Calgary Alberta storms ($45 million) and the 2024 Brazil Floods ($41 million), the 2024 Dubai floods ($32 million), the 2024 New Caledonia Riots ($31 million), the 2024 Germany floods ($28 million) and the 2024 Taiwan earthquake ($25 million), with the remaining losses resulting from various events. For 2025, the favorable development on prior year catastrophe losses of $89 million was mainly related to reserves released related to the 2022 Hurricane Ian and older well-seasoned CAT events.
Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage expense increased by 4.0% to $3.0 billion in 2025, compared to $2.8 billion in 2024. The increase was mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned, contingent commissions and changes in the mix of business. Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $291 million in 2025 from $290 million in 2024. The other underwriting expenses remained relatively flat to prior year due to expense management.
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Insurance.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the Insurance segment for the periods indicated:
| Years Ended December 31, | 2025/2024 | 2024/2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | Variance | % Change | Variance | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gross written premiums | $ | 4,790 | $ | 5,078 | $ | 4,888 | $ | (288) | (5.7) | % | $ | 191 | 3.9 | % | |||||||||||
| Net written premiums | 3,638 | 3,678 | 3,704 | (39) | (1.1) | % | (26) | (0.7) | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 3,718 | $ | 3,579 | $ | 3,420 | $ | 139 | 3.9 | % | $ | 159 | 4.6 | % | |||||||||||
| Incurred losses and LAE | 3,050 | 3,622 | 2,471 | (571) | (15.8) | % | 1,150 | 46.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Commission and brokerage | 488 | 439 | 410 | 49 | 11.2 | % | 29 | 7.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 721 | 615 | 556 | 106 | 17.3 | % | 59 | 10.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Underwriting gain (loss) | $ | (541) | $ | (1,097) | $ | (18) | $ | 555 | (50.6) | % | $ | (1,079) | NM | ||||||||||||
| Point Chg | Point Chg | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss ratio | 82.0 | % | 101.2 | % | 72.3 | % | (19.2) | 28.9 | |||||||||||||||||
| Commission and brokerage ratio | 13.1 | % | 12.3 | % | 12.0 | % | 0.9 | 0.3 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other underwriting expense ratio | 19.4 | % | 17.2 | % | 16.3 | % | 2.2 | 0.9 | |||||||||||||||||
| Combined ratio | 114.6 | % | 130.7 | % | 100.5 | % | (16.1) | 30.1 |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
Premiums. Gross written premiums decreased by 5.7% to $4.8 billion in 2025, compared to $5.1 billion in 2024. The decrease in insurance premiums was primarily due to portfolio actions taken on specialty casualty lines of business as well as the impact of the sale of renewal rights, partially offset by an increase in other specialty business and accident and health business.
Net written premiums decreased by 1.1% to $3.6 billion in 2025, compared to $3.7 billion in 2024. The decrease in net written is due to the reduction gross written premium partially offset by business mix and higher retentions in certain lines of business.
Premiums earned increased by 3.9% to $3.7 billion in 2025, compared to $3.6 billion in 2024. The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums was primarily the result of timing as the higher base premium written in 2024 is being earned through the 2025 period; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are generally recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.
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Incurred Losses and LAE. The following table presents the incurred losses and LAE for the Insurance segment for the periods indicated:
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | Current Year | Ratio %/ Pt Change | Prior Years | Ratio %/ Pt Change | Total Incurred | Ratio %/ Pt Change | ||||||||||||||
| 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 2,543 | 68.4 | % | $ | 471 | 12.7 | % | $ | 3,014 | 81.1 | % | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 41 | 1.1 | % | (5) | (0.1) | % | 36 | 1.0 | % | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 2,584 | 69.5 | % | $ | 466 | 12.5 | % | $ | 3,050 | 82.0 | % | ||||||||
| 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 2,443 | 68.3 | % | $ | 1,072 | 30.0 | % | $ | 3,515 | 98.2 | % | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 120 | 3.4 | % | (13) | (0.4) | % | 107 | 3.0 | % | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 2,563 | 71.6 | % | $ | 1,059 | 29.6 | % | $ | 3,622 | 101.2 | % | ||||||||
| 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 2,166 | 63.3 | % | $ | 285 | 8.3 | % | $ | 2,451 | 71.7 | % | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 20 | 0.6 | % | — | — | % | 21 | 0.6 | % | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 2,186 | 63.9 | % | $ | 285 | 8.3 | % | $ | 2,471 | 72.3 | % | ||||||||
| Variance 2025/2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 101 | 0.2 | pts | $ | (601) | (17.3) | pts | $ | (501) | (17.1) | pts | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | (79) | (2.3) | pts | 9 | 0.2 | pts | (71) | (2.0) | pts | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 21 | (2.1) | pts | $ | (593) | (17.0) | pts | $ | (571) | (19.2) | pts | ||||||||
| Variance 2024/2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 277 | 4.9 | pts | $ | 787 | 21.6 | pts | $ | 1,064 | 26.6 | pts | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 100 | 2.8 | pts | (14) | (0.4) | pts | 86 | 2.4 | pts | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 377 | 7.7 | pts | $ | 773 | 21.2 | pts | $ | 1,150 | 28.9 | pts |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
Incurred losses and LAE decreased by 15.8% to $3.1 billion in 2025, compared to $3.6 billion in 2024. The decrease was mainly due to a decrease in unfavorable development on prior years attritional losses of $601 million and a decrease in current year catastrophe losses of $79 million, partially offset by an increase of $101 million in current year attritional losses and a decrease in favorable development on prior years catastrophe losses of $9 million.
The increase in current year attritional losses and the 2025 unfavorable development on prior years attritional losses of $471 million were both primarily due to reserve strengthening in U.S. casualty lines of business driven by elevated loss experience in excess casualty and U.S. liability lines primarily on accident years 2022-2024.
The current year catastrophe losses of $41 million primarily related to Hurricane Melissa ($16 million), the first quarter 2025 Myanmar earthquake ($8 million) and the 2025 Southern California wildfires ($7 million), with the remaining losses resulting from various events. The $120 million of current year catastrophe losses in 2024 primarily related to Hurricane Milton ($44 million), Hurricane Helene ($29 million), Hurricane Beryl ($10 million) and the third quarter 2024 Calgary Alberta storms ($9 million), with the remaining losses resulting from various events. For 2025, the favorable development on prior year catastrophe losses of $5 million was related to multiple events from 2024 and prior.
Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage increased by 11.2% to $488 million in 2025, compared to $439 million in 2024. Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $721 million in 2025, compared to $615 million in 2024. The change in commission and brokerage expenses is driven by mix as the international portfolio increases which carries a higher net commission rate. The increase in other underwriting expenses was mainly due to the impact of strategic actions in insurance operations.
Other.
The Other segment includes the results of our sports and leisure business sold in October 2024, consisting of policies written prior to the sale and polices renewed and certain new business written on the Company’s paper post-sale. It also includes run-off A&E exposures, certain discontinued insurance programs primarily written prior to 2012 and certain
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discontinued insurance and reinsurance coverage classes. The Other segment does not generally sell insurance or reinsurance products but is responsible for the management of existing policies and settlement of related losses.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the Other segment for the periods indicated:
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Gross written premiums | $ | 91 | $ | 212 | $ | 289 | ||||
| Net written premiums | 84 | 167 | 225 | |||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 111 | $ | 197 | $ | 225 | ||||
| Incurred losses and LAE | 292 | 580 | 266 | |||||||
| Commission and brokerage | 21 | 24 | 22 | |||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 17 | 33 | 35 | |||||||
| Underwriting gain (loss) | $ | (220) | $ | (440) | $ | (98) |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
Incurred Losses and LAE. Incurred losses and LAE decreased to $292 million in 2025, compared to $580 million in 2024. The decrease was mainly due to a decrease in unfavorable development on prior years attritional losses of $240 million. During 2025, the unfavorable development on prior year attritional losses for the Company’s Other segment of $163 million was mainly related to unfavorable development on prior year attritional losses driven by U.S. casualty lines, primarily from our sports and leisure business.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The following is a summary of the critical accounting estimates related to accounting estimates that (1) require management to make assumptions about highly uncertain matters and (2) could materially impact the consolidated financial statements if management made different assumptions.
Loss and LAE Reserves. Our most critical accounting estimate is the determination of our loss and LAE reserves. We maintain reserves equal to management’s estimated ultimate liability for losses and LAE for reported and unreported claims for our insurance and reinsurance businesses. Because reserves are based on estimates of ultimate losses and LAE by underwriting or accident year, we use a variety of statistical and actuarial techniques to monitor reserve adequacy over time, evaluate new information as it becomes known and adjust reserves whenever an adjustment appears warranted. We consider many factors when setting reserves including: (1) our exposure base and projected ultimate premiums earned; (2) our expected loss ratios by product and class of business, which are developed collaboratively by underwriters and actuaries; (3) actuarial methodologies and assumptions which analyze our loss reporting and payment experience, size of loss distribution, reports from ceding companies and historical trends, such as reserving patterns, loss payments and product mix; (4) current legal interpretations of coverage and liability; and (5) economic conditions including but not limited to social inflation. Management’s best estimate is developed through collaboration with actuarial, underwriting, claims, legal and finance departments and culminates with the input of reserve committees. Each segment reserve committee includes the participation of the relevant parties from actuarial, finance, claims and segment senior management. Reserves are further reviewed by Everest’s Chief Reserving Actuary and senior management. The objective of such process is to determine a single best estimate viewed by management to be the best estimate of its ultimate loss liability. Our insurance and reinsurance loss and LAE reserves represent management’s best estimate of our ultimate liability. Actual losses and LAE ultimately paid may deviate, perhaps substantially, from such reserves. Net income (loss) will be impacted in a period in which the change in estimated ultimate losses and LAE is recorded. See also ITEM 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” - Note 1 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
It is more difficult to accurately estimate loss reserves for reinsurance liabilities than for insurance liabilities. At December 31, 2025, we had reinsurance loss reserves of $22.7 billion, insurance loss reserves of $10.2 billion and other loss reserves of $1.4 billion, of which $209 million were loss reserves for A&E liabilities. A detailed discussion of additional considerations related to A&E exposures follows later in this section.
The detailed data required to evaluate ultimate losses for our insurance business is accumulated from our underwriting and claim systems. Reserving for reinsurance requires evaluation of loss information received from ceding companies. Ceding companies report losses to us in many ways depending on the type of contract and the agreed or contractual reporting requirements. Generally, proportional/quota share contracts require the submission of a monthly/quarterly account, which includes premium and loss activity for the period with corresponding reserves as established by the ceding company. This information is recorded into our records. For certain proportional contracts, we may require a
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detailed loss report for claims that exceed a certain dollar threshold or relate to a particular type of loss. Excess of loss and facultative contracts generally require individual loss reporting with precautionary notices provided when a loss reaches a significant percentage of the attachment point of the contract or when certain causes of loss or types of injury occur. Our experienced Claims staff handles individual loss reports and supporting claim information. Based on our evaluation of a claim, we may establish additional case reserves in addition to the case reserves reported by the ceding company. To ensure ceding companies are submitting required and accurate data, the Underwriting, Claim, Reinsurance Accounting and Internal Audit departments of the Company perform various reviews of our ceding companies, particularly larger ceding companies, including on-site audits.
We sort our reserves by segment into exposure groupings for actuarial analysis. We assign our business to exposure groupings so that the underlying exposures have reasonably homogeneous loss development characteristics and are large enough to facilitate credible estimation of ultimate losses. We periodically review our exposure groupings, and we may change our groupings over time as our business changes. We currently use approximately 250 exposure groupings to develop our reserve estimates. One of the key selection characteristics for the exposure groupings is the historical duration of the claims settlement process. Business in which claims are reported and settled relatively quickly are commonly referred to as short tail lines, principally property lines. Casualty claims tend to take longer to be reported and settled and casualty lines are generally referred to as long tail lines. Our estimates of ultimate losses for shorter tail lines, with the exception of loss estimates for large catastrophic events, generally exhibit less uncertainty than those for the longer tail lines.
We use a variety of actuarial methodologies, such as expected loss ratio, chain ladder reserving methods and Bornhuetter-Ferguson, supplemented by judgment where appropriate, to estimate our ultimate losses and LAE for each exposure group. Although we use similar actuarial methodologies for both short tail and long tail lines, the faster reporting of experience for the short tail lines allows us to have greater confidence in our estimates of ultimate losses at an earlier stage than for long tail lines. For immature underwriting or accident years, the initial expected loss ratios are key inputs that involve management judgment and are based on a variety of factors, including: (1) expected loss ratios developed during our pricing process; (2) historical loss ratios adjusted for rate change and trend; and (3) industry benchmarks for similar business. These judgments take into account our view of past, current and future factors that may influence ultimate losses, including: (1) market conditions; (2) changes in the business underwritten; (3) changes in timing of the emergence of claims; and (4) other factors. The determination of when reported losses are sufficient and credible to warrant selection of an ultimate loss ratio different from the initial expected loss ratio also requires judgment.
Our carried reserves at each reporting date are management’s best estimate of ultimate unpaid losses and LAE at that date. We complete detailed reserve studies for each exposure group annually for our reinsurance and insurance operations. The completed annual reserve studies are “rolled forward” for each accounting period until the subsequent reserve study is completed. Analyzing the roll-forward process involves comparing actual reported losses to expected losses based on the most recent reserve study. The Company analyzes significant variances between actual and expected losses and also considers recent market, underwriting and management criteria to determine management’s best estimate of ultimate unpaid losses and LAE.
Certain reserves, including losses from widespread catastrophic events, cannot be estimated using traditional actuarial method. Rather, loss and LAE reserves are estimated by completing an in-depth analysis of the individual contracts which may potentially be impacted by the loss. The analysis uses inputs from various sources and methodology, to build up a comprehensive perspective. Such analysis generally involves: 1) estimating the size of insured industry losses; 2) reviewing portfolios to identify contracts which are exposed; 3) reviewing information reported or otherwise provided by customers and brokers; 4) discussing the loss with customers and brokers; and 5) estimating the ultimate expected cost to settle all claims and administrative costs arising from the loss on a contract-by-contract basis and in aggregate for the event. Due to the inherent uniqueness or specific nature of a catastrophic event, each event has its own unique assessment, and different weights may be applied to various inputs based on our judgment. Once a loss has occurred, during the then current reporting period, we record our best estimate of the ultimate expected cost to settle all claims arising from the loss. Our estimate of loss and LAE reserves is then determined by deducting cumulative paid losses from its estimate of the ultimate expected loss. Our estimate of incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) is determined by deducting cumulative paid losses, case reserves and additional case reserves from its estimate of the ultimate expected loss.
Because catastrophe losses are typically due to prominent, public events such as hurricanes and earthquakes, we are often able to use independent reports as part of our loss reserve estimation process. We also review catastrophe bulletins published by various statistical modeling agencies to assist in determining the size of the industry loss, although these reports may not be available for some time after an event. For smaller events including localized severe weather events such as windstorms, hail, ice, snow, flooding, freezing and tornadoes, which are not necessarily prominent, public
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occurrences, we initially place greater reliance on catastrophe bulletins published by statistical modeling agencies to assist in determining what events occurred during the reporting period than we do for large events. This includes reviewing catastrophe bulletins published by Property Claim Services for U.S. catastrophes. We set our initial estimates of reserves for loss and LAE for these smaller events based on a combination of its historical market share for these types of losses and the estimate of the total insured industry property losses as reported by statistical modeling agencies, although we may make significant adjustments based on our current exposure to the geographic region involved as well as the size of the loss and the peril involved.
In general, reserves for more recent large losses are subject to greater uncertainty and, therefore, greater potential variability, and are likely to experience material changes from one period to the next. This is due to the uncertainty as to the size of the industry losses, uncertainty as to which contracts have been exposed, uncertainty due to complex legal and coverage issues that can arise out of large or complex losses, and uncertainty as to the magnitude of claims incurred by our customers. As our losses age, more information becomes available, and we believe our estimates become more certain.
Given the inherent variability in our loss reserves, we have developed an estimated range of possible gross reserve levels. A table of ranges by segment, accompanied by commentary on potential and historical variability, is included in “Financial Condition - Loss and LAE Reserves”. The ranges are developed using the exposure groups used in the published global loss triangles. For each exposure group, our actuaries calculate a range of possible ultimate losses for each accident year. These ranges are calculated by applying a variety of different acceptable actuarial methods, and varying the parameter selections within a reasonable set of possibilities. Our estimates of our reserve variability may not be comparable to those of other companies because there are no consistently applied actuarial or accounting standards governing such presentations. Our recorded reserves reflect our best point estimate of our liabilities, and our actuarial methodologies focus on developing such point estimates. We calculate the ranges subsequently, based on the historical variability of such reserves.
A&E Exposures. We continue to receive claims under expired insurance and reinsurance contracts asserting injuries and/or damages relating to or resulting from environmental pollution and hazardous substances, including asbestos. Environmental claims typically assert liability for (a) the mitigation or remediation of environmental contamination or (b) bodily injury or property damage caused by the release of hazardous substances into the land, air or water. Asbestos claims typically assert liability for bodily injury from exposure to asbestos or for property damage resulting from asbestos or products containing asbestos. The results of run-off A&E exposures are included within the Company’s Other segment.
Our reserves include an estimate of our ultimate liability for A&E claims. There are significant uncertainties surrounding our estimates of our potential losses from A&E claims. Among the uncertainties are: (a) potentially long waiting periods between exposure and manifestation of any bodily injury or property damage; (b) difficulty in identifying sources of asbestos or environmental contamination; (c) difficulty in properly allocating responsibility and/or liability for asbestos or environmental damage; (d) changes in underlying laws and judicial interpretation of those laws; (e) the potential for an asbestos or environmental claim to involve many insurance providers over many policy periods; (f) questions concerning interpretation and application of insurance and reinsurance coverage; and (g) uncertainty regarding the number and identity of insureds with potential asbestos or environmental exposure.
Due to the uncertainties discussed above, the ultimate losses attributable to A&E, and particularly asbestos, may be subject to more variability than are non-A&E reserves and such variation could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows. See also ITEM 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” - Notes 1 and 4 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Reinsurance Recoverables. We have purchased reinsurance to reduce our exposure to adverse claim experience, large claims and catastrophic loss occurrences. Our ceded reinsurance provides for recovery from reinsurers of a portion of losses and loss expenses under certain circumstances. Such reinsurance does not relieve us of our obligation to our policyholders. In the event our reinsurers are unable to meet their obligations under these agreements or are able to successfully challenge losses ceded by us under the contracts, we will not be able to realize the full value of the reinsurance recoverable balance. In some cases, we may hold full or partial collateral for the receivable, including letters of credit, trust assets and cash. Additionally, creditworthy foreign reinsurers of business written in the U.S., as well as capital markets’ reinsurance mechanisms, are generally required to secure their obligations.
We have established reserves for uncollectible balances based on our assessment of the collectability of the outstanding balances. The allowance for uncollectible reinsurance reflects management’s best estimate of reinsurance cessions that may be uncollectible in the future due to reinsurers’ unwillingness or inability to pay. The allowance for uncollectible
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reinsurance recoverable includes an allowance for disputed balances. Based on this analysis, the Company may adjust the allowance for uncollectible reinsurance or charge off reinsurer balances that are determined to be uncollectible. Reinsurance recoverable balances are considered past due when amounts that have been billed are not collected within contractually stipulated time periods.
Due to the inherent uncertainties as to collection and the length of time before reinsurance recoverable become due, it is possible that future adjustments to the Company’s reinsurance recoverable, net of the allowance, could be required, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or cash flows in a particular quarter or annual period.
The allowance is estimated as the amount of reinsurance recoverable exposed to loss multiplied by estimated factors for the probability of default. The reinsurance recoverable exposed is the amount of reinsurance recoverable net of collateral and other offsets, considering the nature of the collateral, potential future changes in collateral values, and historical loss information for the type of collateral obtained. The probability of default factors are historical insurer and reinsurer defaults for liabilities with similar durations to the reinsured liabilities as estimated through multiple economic cycles. Credit ratings are forward-looking and consider a variety of economic outcomes. The Company's evaluation of the required allowance for reinsurance recoverable considers the current economic environment as well as macroeconomic scenarios. To manage reinsurer credit risk, a reinsurance security review committee evaluates the credit standing, financial performance, management and operational quality of each potential reinsurer.
The Company records credit loss expenses related to reinsurance recoverable in incurred losses and LAE in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Write-offs of reinsurance recoverable and any related allowance are recorded in the period in which the balance is deemed uncollectible.
Retroactive Reinsurance.
Retroactive reinsurance agreements are reinsurance agreements under which a reinsurer agrees to reimburse the Company as a result of loss development related to past insurable events. For these agreements, the excess of the amounts ultimately collectible under the agreement over the consideration paid is recognized as a deferred gain liability and amortized into income over the settlement period of the ceded reserves. The amount of deferred gain liability is recalculated each period based on cumulative recoveries not yet collected relative to the latest estimate of ultimate losses to be recovered. If the consideration paid exceeds the ultimate losses collectible under the agreement, the net loss on the agreement is recognized in income immediately in incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. In any given period, the change in deferred gain included in net income includes amortization of the deferred gain based on the percentage of ultimate ceded losses collected plus any change in the deferred liability due to change in the estimated losses to be recovered. The amounts are recalculated each period based on loss payments and updated loss reserves estimates.
Premiums Written and Earned. Premiums written by us are earned ratably over the coverage periods of the related insurance and reinsurance contracts. We establish unearned premium reserves to cover the unexpired portion of each contract. Such reserves, for assumed reinsurance, are computed using pro rata methods based on statistical data received from ceding companies. Premiums earned, and the related costs, which have not yet been reported to us, are estimated and accrued. Premiums written are based on contract and policy terms and include estimates based on information received from both insureds and ceding companies. Differences between such estimates and actual amounts are recorded in the period in which the estimates are changed, or the actual amounts are determined. These earned but not reported premiums are combined with reported earned premiums to comprise our total premiums earned for determination of our incurred losses and loss and LAE reserves. Commission expense and incurred losses related to the change in earned but not reported premium are included in current period company and segment financial results. See also ITEM 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” - Note 1 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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The following table displays the estimated components of net earned but not reported premiums by segment for the periods indicated:
| At December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||
| Reinsurance | $ | 3,802 | $ | 3,278 | $ | 2,610 | ||||
| Insurance | 10 | — | — | |||||||
| Other | — | — | — | |||||||
| Total | $ | 3,812 | $ | 3,278 | $ | 2,610 |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
Investment Valuation. Our fixed income securities are classified for accounting purposes as either available for sale or held to maturity. The available for sale fixed maturity securities are carried at fair value and the held to maturity fixed maturity portfolio is carried at amortized cost, net of current expected credit allowance on our consolidated balance sheets. Our equity securities are all carried at fair value. Some of our CMBS are valued using cash flow models and risk-adjusted discount rates. We hold privately placed securities which are either valued by investment advisors or the Company. In some instances, values provided by an investment advisor are supported with opinions from qualified independent third parties. The Company has procedures in place to review the values received from its investment advisors. At December 31, 2025 and 2024, our investment portfolio included a total of $5.5 billion and $5.1 billion of limited partnership investments, whose values are reported pursuant to the equity method of accounting, and corporate-owned life insurance (“COLI”) policies, whose values are reported at cash surrender value. We carry the limited partnership investments at values provided by the managements of the limited partnerships and due to inherent reporting lags, the carrying values are based on values with “as of” dates from generally one month to one quarter prior to our financial statement date.
At December 31, 2025, we had net unrealized gains on our fixed maturity securities, net of tax, of $5 million, compared to net unrealized losses on our fixed maturity securities, net of tax, of $849 million at December 31, 2024. Gains (losses) from fair value fluctuations on available for sale fixed maturity securities are reflected as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated balance sheets. Fair value declines for the available for sale fixed income portfolio, which are considered credit related, are reflected in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), as realized losses on investments. We consider many factors when determining whether a fair value decline is credit related, including: (1) we have no intent to sell and, more likely than not, will not be required to sell prior to recovery, (2) the credit strength of the issuer, (3) the issuer’s market sector, (4) the length of time to maturity and (5) for asset-backed securities, changes in prepayments, credit enhancements and underlying default rates. If management’s assessments change in the future, we may ultimately record a realized loss after management originally concluded that the decline in value was not attributed to credit related factors.
Fixed maturity securities designated as held to maturity consist of debt securities for which the Company has both the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity or redemption and are reported at amortized cost, net of the current expected credit loss allowance. Interest income for fixed maturity securities held to maturity is determined in the same manner as interest income for fixed maturity securities available for sale. The Company evaluates fixed maturity securities classified as held to maturity for current expected credit losses utilizing risk characteristics of each security, including credit rating, remaining time to maturity, adjusted for prepayment considerations, and subordination level, and applying default and recovery rates, which include the incorporation of historical credit loss experience and macroeconomic forecasts, to develop an estimate of current expected credit losses.
Tax. On December 27, 2023, the Government of Bermuda enacted the Corporate Income Tax Act 2023 (the “2023 Act”), which will apply a 15% corporate income tax to certain Bermuda businesses in fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2025. The 2023 Act includes a provision referred to as “The Economic Transition Adjustment” (the “ETA”), which is intended to provide a fair and equitable transition into the new tax regime, and results in a deferred tax benefit for the Company. However, on January 15, 2025, the OECD issued guidance related to “deferred tax assets arising from tax benefits provided by General Government” restricting the utilization of those deferred tax benefits against the computation of its Pillar Two Global Minimum Taxes to approximately 20% of the originally calculated amounts and only for a grace period of two years through 2026. If the Bermuda Ministry of Finance amends the 2023 Act in response to this guidance, the exact impact of any such amendments is uncertain but there is a risk that it results in a reduction in the Company's Deferred Tax Assets.
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The net deferred tax assets principally relate to the identifiable intangible assets. We estimated the fair value of the identifiable intangible assets using discounted future cash flow models. The significant assumptions utilized in the discounted future cash flow models include the forecasted revenues and expected profits to be generated by the identifiable intangible assets and discount rates.
See also ITEM 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” - Note 1 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Investments. Total investments were $44.1 billion at December 31, 2025, an increase of $4.1 billion compared to $40.0 billion at December 31, 2024. The rise in investments was primarily related to an increase in fixed maturities - available for sale due to an overall net purchase of $4.3 billion of fixed maturities - available for sale in 2025.
The Company’s limited partnership investments are comprised of limited partnerships that invest in private equity, private credit and private real estate. Generally, the limited partnerships are reported on a month or quarter lag. We receive annual audited financial statements for all of the limited partnerships which are primarily prepared using fair value accounting in accordance with GAAP guidance. For the quarterly reports, the Company reviews the financial reports for any unusual changes in carrying value. If the Company becomes aware of a significant decline in value during the lag reporting period, the loss will be recorded in the period in which the Company identifies the decline.
The table below summarizes the composition and characteristics of our investment portfolio as of the dates indicated:
| At December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| Fixed income portfolio duration (years) | 3.4 | 3.1 | |
| Fixed income composite credit quality | AA- | AA- |
Reinsurance Recoverables. Reinsurance recoverables for both paid and unpaid losses totaled $5.1 billion at December 31, 2025 and $3.1 billion at December 31, 2024. At December 31, 2025, in connection with the ADC reinsurance agreements, $1,253 million was recoverable from State National Insurance Company, Inc. Additionally at December 31, 2025, $411 million, or 8.1%, was recoverable from Mt. Logan Re, Ltd. (“Mt. Logan Re”) collateralized segregated accounts and $289 million, or 5.7%, was recoverable from Munich Reinsurance America, Inc. No other retrocessionaire accounted for more than 5% of our recoverables.
Loss and LAE Reserves. Gross loss and LAE reserves totaled $34.3 billion and $29.9 billion at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
The following tables summarize gross outstanding loss and LAE reserves by segment, classified by case reserves and IBNR reserves, for the periods indicated:
| At December 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | Case Reserves | IBNR Reserves | Total Reserves | % of Total | ||||||||||
| Reinsurance | $ | 7,075 | $ | 15,655 | $ | 22,730 | 66.2 | % | ||||||
| Insurance | 2,743 | 7,460 | 10,203 | 29.7 | % | |||||||||
| Other (1) | 384 | 995 | 1,379 | 4.0 | % | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 10,201 | $ | 24,110 | $ | 34,312 | 100.0 | % |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
(1) Reserves for A&E exposures are included within Other. At December 31, 2025, A&E Case and IBNR reserves totaled $150 million and $59 million, respectively.
| At December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | Case Reserves | IBNR Reserves | Total Reserves | % of Total | ||||||||||
| Reinsurance | $ | 6,591 | $ | 13,117 | $ | 19,708 | 65.9 | % | ||||||
| Insurance | 2,289 | 6,552 | 8,841 | 29.6 | % | |||||||||
| Other (1) | 389 | 950 | 1,340 | 4.5 | % | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 9,270 | $ | 20,619 | $ | 29,889 | 100.0 | % |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
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(1) Reserves for A&E exposures are included within Other. At December 31, 2024, A&E Case and IBNR reserves totaled $149 million and $111 million, respectively.
Changes in premiums earned and business mix, reserve refinement, catastrophe losses and changes in catastrophe loss reserves and claim settlement activity all impact loss and LAE reserves by segment and in total.
Our carried loss and LAE reserves represent management’s best estimate of our ultimate liability for unpaid claims. We continuously re-evaluate our reserves, including re-estimates of prior period reserves, taking into consideration all available information and, in particular, newly reported loss and claim experience. Changes in reserves resulting from such re-evaluations are reflected in incurred losses in the period when the re-evaluation is made. Our analytical methods and processes operate at multiple levels including individual contracts, groupings of like contracts, classes and lines of business, internal business units, segments, accident years, legal entities and in the aggregate. In order to set appropriate reserves, we make qualitative and quantitative analyses and judgments at these various levels. We utilize actuarial science, business expertise and management judgment in a manner intended to ensure the accuracy and consistency of our reserving practices. Management’s best estimate is developed through collaboration with actuarial, underwriting, claims, legal and finance departments and culminates with the input of reserve committees. Each segment reserve committee includes the participation of the relevant parties from actuarial, finance, claims and segment senior management. Reserves are further reviewed by Everest’s Chief Reserving Actuary and senior management. The objective of such process is to determine a single best estimate viewed by management to be the best estimate of its ultimate loss liability. Nevertheless, our reserves are estimates, which are subject to variation, which may be significant.
There can be no assurance that reserves for, and losses from, claim obligations will not increase in the future, possibly by a material amount. However, we believe that our existing reserves and reserving methodologies lessen the probability that any such increase would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
We have included ranges for loss reserve estimates determined by our actuaries, which have been developed through a combination of objective and subjective criteria. Our presentation of this information may not be directly comparable to similar presentations of other companies as there are no consistently applied actuarial or accounting standards governing such presentations. Our recorded reserves are an aggregation of our best point estimates for approximately 250 reserve groups and reflect our best point estimate of our liabilities. Our actuarial methodologies develop point estimates rather than ranges and the ranges are developed subsequently based upon historical and prospective variability measures.
The following table below represents the reserve levels and ranges for each of our business segments for the period indicated:
| Outstanding Reserves and Ranges By Segment (1) | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At December 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | As Reported | Low Range % | Low Range | High Range % | High Range | |||||||||||
| Gross Reserves By Segment | ||||||||||||||||
| Reinsurance | $ | 22,730 | (6.1) | % | $ | 21,338 | 6.1 | % | $ | 24,123 | ||||||
| Insurance | 10,203 | (9.0) | % | 9,282 | 9.0 | % | 11,123 | |||||||||
| Other (excluding A&E) | 1,169 | (18.0) | % | 959 | 18.0 | % | 1,380 | |||||||||
| Total Gross Reserves (excluding A&E) | 34,102 | (7.4) | % | 31,579 | 7.4 | % | 36,626 | |||||||||
| A&E (Other Segment) | 209 | (21.6) | % | 164 | 21.6 | % | 254 | |||||||||
| Total Gross Reserves | $ | 34,312 | (7.5) | % | 31,743 | 7.5 | % | 36,880 |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
(1) There can be no assurance that reserves will not ultimately exceed the indicated ranges requiring additional income (loss) statement expense.
The size of the range is dependent upon the level of confidence associated with the reserve estimates. Within each range, management’s best estimate of loss reserves is based upon the point estimate derived by our actuaries in detailed reserve studies. Such ranges are necessarily subjective due to the lack of generally accepted actuarial standards with respect to their development. There can be no assurance that our claim obligations will not vary outside of these ranges.
Additional losses, including those relating to latent injuries, and other exposures, which are as yet unrecognized, the type or magnitude of which cannot be foreseen by us or the reinsurance and insurance industry generally, may emerge in the future. Such future emergence, to the extent not covered by existing retrocessional contracts, could have material adverse effects on our future financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
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A&E Exposures. A&E exposures represent a separate exposure group for monitoring and evaluating reserve adequacy. The results of run-off A&E exposures are included within the Company’s Other segment.
With respect to asbestos only, at December 31, 2025, we had net asbestos loss reserves of $170 million, or 87.9%, of total net A&E reserves, all of which was for assumed business. At December 31, 2025, we had gross asbestos loss reserves of $186 million, or 88.8% of total gross A&E reserves, all of which was for assumed business. See Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of A&E Exposures.
Ultimate loss projections for A&E liabilities cannot be accomplished using standard actuarial techniques. We believe that our A&E reserves represent management’s best estimate of the ultimate liability; however, there can be no assurance that ultimate loss payments will not exceed such reserves, perhaps by a significant amount.
Industry analysts use the “survival ratio” to compare the A&E reserves among companies with such liabilities. The survival ratio is typically calculated by dividing a company’s current net reserves by the three-year average of annual paid losses. Hence, the survival ratio equals the number of years that it would take to exhaust the current reserves if future loss payments were to continue at historical levels. Using this measurement, our net three-year asbestos survival ratio was 4.7 years at December 31, 2025. These metrics can be skewed by individual large settlements occurring in the prior three years and therefore, may not be indicative of the timing of future payments.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Capital. Shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 was $15.5 billion and $13.9 billion, respectively. Management’s objective in managing capital is to ensure that the Company’s overall capital level, as well as the capital levels of its operating subsidiaries, exceed the amounts required by regulators, the amount needed to support our current financial strength ratings from rating agencies and our own economic capital models. The Company’s capital has historically exceeded these benchmark levels.
Our two main operating companies, Bermuda Re and Everest Re, are regulated by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (the “BMA”) and the State of Delaware’s Department of Insurance, respectively. Both regulatory bodies have their own capital adequacy models based on statutory capital as opposed to GAAP basis equity. Bermuda Re is subject to the Bermuda Solvency Capital Requirement (“BSCR”) administered by the BMA and Everest Re is subject to the RBC developed by the U.S. National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”). Failure to meet the required statutory capital levels could result in various regulatory restrictions, including restrictions on business activity and the payment of dividends to their parent companies.
The regulatory targeted capital and the actual statutory capital for Bermuda Re and Everest Re were as follows:
| Bermuda Re (1)At December 31, | Everest Re (2)At December 31, | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2025 ⁽³⁾ | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||
| Regulatory targeted capital | $ | — | $ | 3,151 | $ | 5,119 | $ | 4,799 | ||||||
| Actual capital | $ | 4,209 | $ | 4,323 | $ | 8,856 | $ | 8,126 |
(1) Regulatory targeted capital represents the target capital level from the applicable year's BSCR calculation.
(2) Regulatory targeted capital represents 200% of the RBC authorized control level calculation for the applicable year.
(3) The 2025 BSCR calculation is not yet due to be completed; however, the Company anticipates that Bermuda Re's December 31, 2025 actual capital will exceed the targeted capital level. In accordance with guidance issued by the BMA in 2025, Bermuda Re has reflected the impacts of the ETA recognized in response to the 2023 Act in its 2024 regulatory targeted capital and actual capital.
Our financial strength ratings, as determined by A.M. Best Company (“A.M. Best”), Moody’s and S&P, are important, as they provide our customers and investors with an independent assessment of our financial strength using a rating scale that provides for relative comparisons. We continue to possess significant financial flexibility and access to debt and equity markets as a result of our financial strength, as evidenced by the financial strength ratings assigned by independent rating agencies. See also ITEM 1, “Financial Strength Ratings”.
We maintain our own economic capital models to monitor and project our overall capital, as well as the capital at our operating subsidiaries. A key input to the economic models is projected income, and this input is continually compared to actual results, which may require a change in the capital strategy.
In 2025, we repurchased 2,394,763 of our common shares at a cost of $797 million in the open market and paid $335 million in common share dividends to adjust our capital position and enhance long-term expected returns to our shareholders. During 2024, we repurchased 536,469 of our common shares at a cost of $200 million in the open market
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and paid $334 million in dividends. We may at times enter into a Rule 10b5-1 repurchase plan agreement to facilitate the repurchase of shares. On November 7, 2024, our existing Board authorization to purchase up to 32 million of our shares was increased by 10 million shares to authorize the purchase of up to 42 million shares. As of December 31, 2025, we had repurchased 33.7 million shares under this authorization. During the fourth quarter of 2025, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly common stock dividend of $2.00 per share. The common stock dividend was paid on December 12, 2025 for holders of record as of November 26, 2025.
On May 19, 2023, the Company completed the public offering of 4,140,000 common shares, which included full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase an additional 540,000 common shares, at a public offering price of $360.00 per share. Total net proceeds from the public offering were $1,445 million, after underwriting discount and expenses. The Company’s intent was to use the net proceeds from this offering for long-term reinsurance opportunity and continued build out of the global insurance business.
Liquidity. Our liquidity requirements are generally met from positive cash flow from operations. Positive cash flow results from reinsurance and insurance premiums being collected prior to disbursements for claims, with disbursements generally taking place over an extended period after the collection of premiums, sometimes a period of many years. Collected premiums are generally invested, prior to their use in such disbursements, and investment income provides additional funding for loss payments. Our net cash flows from operating activities were $3.1 billion and $5.0 billion for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Additionally, these cash flows reflected net catastrophe loss payments of $852 million and $693 million for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, and net tax payments of $150 million and $397 million for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
If disbursements for losses and LAE, policy acquisition costs and other operating expenses were to exceed premium inflows, cash flow from reinsurance and insurance operations would be negative. The effect on cash flow from operations would be partially offset by cash flow from investment income. Additionally, cash inflows from investment maturities of both short-term investments and longer-term maturities are available to supplement other operating cash flows. We do not expect to supplement negative operations cash flows with investment dispositions.
As the timing of payments for losses and LAE cannot be predicted with certainty, we maintain portfolios of long-term invested assets with varying maturities, along with short-term investments that provide additional liquidity for payment of claims. At December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, we held cash and short-term investments of $4.3 billion and $6.3 billion, respectively. Our short-term investments are generally readily marketable and can be converted to cash. In addition to these cash and short-term investments, we had $1.4 billion of fixed maturity securities - available for sale maturing within one year or less, $10.8 billion maturing within one to five years and $8.6 billion maturing after five years at December 31, 2025. We believe that these fixed maturity securities, in conjunction with the short-term investments and positive cash flow from operations, provide ample sources of liquidity for the expected payment of losses and LAE in the near future. We do not anticipate selling a significant amount of securities to pay losses and LAE. At December 31, 2025, we had $21 million of net pre-tax unrealized appreciation related to fixed maturity - available for sale securities, comprised of $619 million of pre-tax unrealized depreciation and $640 million of pre-tax unrealized appreciation.
Management generally expects annual positive cash flow from operations. However, given catastrophic events observed in recent periods, cash flow from operations may decline and could become negative in the near term as significant claim payments are made related to the catastrophes. However, as indicated above, the Company has access to ample liquidity to settle its catastrophe claims and also may receive payments under the catastrophe bond program and the Mt. Logan Re collateralized reinsurance arrangement.
In addition to our cash flows from operations and liquid investments, Everest Re is a member of the FHLBNY, which allows Everest Re to borrow up to 10% of its statutory admitted assets. As of December 31, 2025, Everest Re had statutory admitted assets of approximately $32.6 billion which provides borrowing capacity of up to approximately $3.3 billion. As of December 31, 2025, Everest Re had $1.0 billion of borrowings outstanding, which begin to expire in 2026. See Note 8 - Credit Facilities to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part IV, Item 15 of this Form 10-K for further details.
Exposure to Prior Year Development. We are required to maintain reserves to cover our ultimate liability of losses and LAE for both reported and unreported claims. These reserves are only estimates of what we believe the ultimate settlement and administration of claims will cost based on facts and circumstances known to us and actuarial and statistical analysis. Loss reserve estimates are reconsidered, as necessary, as experience develops and to reflect other changes in circumstances that may affect our estimate of ultimate loss, and this could potentially result in increases to our reserves. For the insurance and reinsurance businesses, ultimate losses may differ materially from our expectations
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at the time we underwrite the business. Because of the uncertainties that surround our estimates of loss and LAE reserves, we cannot be certain that ultimate losses and LAE payments will not exceed the estimates we make at any given time. Loss experience in our lines of business is very unpredictable and has been exacerbated by social inflation factors such as uncertain legal system outcomes, increased frequency of high-severity claims and third-party litigation funding. If our reserves are deficient in future periods, we may be required to increase loss reserves in the period in which such deficiencies are identified which would cause a charge to our earnings, a reduction of capital and could result in adverse effects on our business, financial condition, results of operation or liquidity. We have entered into certain adverse development reinsurance agreements to reinsure against potential adverse loss development for accident years 2024 and prior arising out of North American insurance liabilities within our Insurance and Other segments subject to exclusions for certain liabilities, including among others those related to Asbestos & Environmental reserves.
Exposure to Catastrophes. Like other insurance and reinsurance companies, we are exposed to multiple insured losses arising out of a single occurrence, whether a natural event, such as a hurricane or an earthquake, or other catastrophe, such as an explosion at a major factory. A large catastrophic event can be expected to generate insured losses to multiple reinsurance treaties, facultative certificates and direct insurance policies across various lines of business.
We focus on potential losses that could result from any single event, or series of events as part of our evaluation and monitoring of our aggregate exposures to catastrophic events. Accordingly, we employ various techniques to estimate the amount of loss we could sustain from any single catastrophic event or series of events in various geographic areas. These techniques range from deterministic approaches, such as tracking aggregate limits exposed in catastrophe-prone zones and applying reasonable damage factors, to modeled approaches that attempt to scientifically measure catastrophe loss exposure using sophisticated Monte Carlo simulation techniques that forecast frequency and severity of potential losses on a probabilistic basis.
No single computer model or group of models is currently capable of projecting the amount and probability of loss in all global geographic regions in which we conduct business. In addition, the form, quality and granularity of underwriting exposure data furnished by (re)insureds is not uniformly compatible with the data requirements for our licensed models, which adds to the inherent imprecision in the potential loss projections. Further, the results from multiple models and analytical methods must be combined to estimate potential losses by and across business units. Also, while most models have been updated to incorporate claims information from recent catastrophic events, catastrophe model projections are still inherently imprecise. In addition, uncertainties with respect to future climatic patterns and cycles could add further uncertainty to loss projections from models based on historical data.
Nevertheless, when combined with traditional risk management techniques and sound underwriting judgment, catastrophe models are a useful tool for underwriters to price catastrophe exposed risks and for providing management with quantitative analyses with which to monitor and manage catastrophic risk exposures by zone and across zones for individual and multiple events.
Projected catastrophe losses are generally summarized in terms of the probable maximum loss (“PML”). We define PML as our anticipated loss, taking into account contract terms and limits, caused by a single catastrophe affecting a broad contiguous geographic area, such as that caused by a hurricane or earthquake. The PML will vary depending upon the modeled simulated losses and the make-up of the in-force book of business. The projected severity levels are described in terms of “return periods”, such as “100-year events” and “250-year events”. For example, a 100-year PML is the estimated loss to the current in-force portfolio from a single event which has a 1% probability of being exceeded in a twelve-month period. In other words, it corresponds to a 99% probability that the loss from a single event will fall below the indicated PML. It is important to note that PMLs are estimates. Modeled events are hypothetical events produced by a stochastic model. As a result, there can be no assurance that any actual event will align with the modeled event or that actual losses from events similar to the modeled events will not vary materially from the modeled event PML.
From an enterprise risk management perspective, the Board of Directors of the Company and each of the Company’s operating subsidiaries, in connection with management, sets limits on the levels of catastrophe loss exposure we may underwrite. The limits are revised periodically based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to our financial resources and expected earnings and risk/reward analyses of the business being underwritten.
Economic loss is the PML exposure, net of third-party reinsurance including catastrophe industry loss warranty cover, reduced by estimated reinstatement premiums to renew coverage and estimated income taxes. The impact of income taxes on the PML depends on the distribution of the losses by corporate entity, which is also affected by inter-affiliate reinsurance. Management also monitors and controls its largest PMLs at multiple points along the loss distribution curve, such as loss amounts at the 20, 50, 100, 250 and 500-year return periods. This process enables management to identify
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and control exposure accumulations and to integrate such exposures into enterprise risk, underwriting and capital management decisions.
Our catastrophe loss projections, segmented by risk zones, are updated quarterly and reviewed as part of a formal risk management review process. Each segment and business unit manages its underwriting risk in accordance with established guidelines. These guidelines place dollar limits on the amount of business that can be written based on a variety of factors, including (re)insured company profile, line of business, geographic location and risk hazards. In each case, the guidelines permit limited exceptions, which must be authorized by the Company’s senior management. Management regularly reviews and revises these guidelines in response to changes in business unit product offerings, market conditions, risk versus reward analyses and our enterprise and underwriting risk management processes.
Our operating results and financial condition can be adversely affected by catastrophe and other large losses. We manage our exposure to catastrophes and other large losses by:
•selective underwriting practices;
•diversifying our risk portfolio by geographic area and by types and classes of business;
•limiting our aggregate catastrophe loss exposure in any particular geographic zone and contiguous zones;
•purchasing reinsurance and/or retrocessional protection to the extent that such coverage can be secured cost-effectively.
We believe that our methods of monitoring, analyzing and managing catastrophe exposures provide a credible risk management framework, which is integrated with our enterprise risk management, underwriting and capital management plans. However, there is much uncertainty and imprecision inherent in the catastrophe models and the catastrophe loss estimation process generally. As a result, there can be no assurance that we will not experience losses from individual events that exceed the PML or other return period projections, perhaps by a material amount. Nor can there be assurance that we will not experience events impacting multiple zones, or multiple severe events that could, in the aggregate, exceed our PML expectations by a significant amount.
The table below reflects our PML exposure, net of third-party reinsurance including catastrophe industry loss warranty cover, at various return periods for our top zones/perils (as ranked by the largest 1 in 100-year economic loss) based on loss projection data as of January 1, 2026:
| Return Periods (in years) | 1 in 20 | 1 in 50 | 1 in 100 | 1 in 250 | 1 in 500 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exceeding Probability | 5.0% | 2.0% | 1.0% | 0.4% | 0.2% | |||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Zone | Peril | |||||||||||||||||||
| Southeast U.S. | Wind | $ | 1,210 | $ | 2,010 | $ | 2,423 | $ | 2,839 | $ | 3,083 | |||||||||
| California | Earthquake | 265 | 1,178 | 1,982 | 2,523 | 2,891 | ||||||||||||||
| Texas | Wind | 253 | 644 | 1,189 | 2,222 | 2,919 |
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The projected net economic losses, defined as PML exposures, net of third-party reinsurance including catastrophe industry loss warranty cover, reinstatement premiums and estimated income taxes, for the top zones/perils scheduled above are as follows:
| Return Periods (in years) | 1 in 20 | 1 in 50 | 1 in 100 | 1 in 250 | 1 in 500 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exceeding Probability | 5.0% | 2.0% | 1.0% | 0.4% | 0.2% | |||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Zone | Peril | |||||||||||||||||||
| Southeast U.S. | Wind | $ | 842 | $ | 1,415 | $ | 1,693 | $ | 1,984 | $ | 2,151 | |||||||||
| California | Earthquake | 205 | 861 | 1,439 | 1,857 | 2,138 | ||||||||||||||
| Texas | Wind | 187 | 464 | 846 | 1,590 | 2,101 |
We believe that our greatest worldwide 1 in 100-year exposure to a single catastrophic event is to a wind event affecting the Southeast U.S., where we estimate we have a PML exposure, net of third party reinsurance including catastrophe industry loss warranty cover, of $2.4 billion which represents approximately 11.0% of our December 31, 2025 shareholders’ equity.
If such a single catastrophe loss were to occur, management estimates that the net economic loss to us would be approximately $1.7 billion. The estimate involves multiple variables, including which Everest entity would experience the loss, and as a result there can be no assurance that this amount would not be exceeded.
We may purchase reinsurance to cover specific business written or the potential accumulation or aggregation of exposures across some or all of our operations. Reinsurance purchasing decisions consider both the potential coverage and market conditions including the pricing, terms, conditions, availability and collectability of coverage, with the aim of securing cost-effective protection from financially secure counterparts. The amount of reinsurance purchased has varied over time, reflecting our view of our exposures and the cost of reinsurance. In recent years, we have increased our use of reinsurance offered through capital market facilities.
We participate in “common account” retrocessional arrangements for certain reinsurance treaties whereby a ceding company purchases reinsurance for the benefit of itself and its reinsurers under one or more of its reinsurance treaties. Common account retrocessional arrangements reduce the effect of individual or aggregate losses to all participating companies, including the ceding company, with respect to the involved treaties.
Information Technology. Everest’s information technology is a key component of its business operations. Information technology systems and services are hosted at public and private cloud service providers across multiple data centers with processing performed at the office locations of our operating subsidiaries and branches. We have implemented security procedures, and regularly assess and enhance our security protocols, to ensure that our key business systems are protected, secured and backed up at off-site locations so that they can be restored promptly if necessary. We have business continuity plans and disaster recovery plans along with periodic testing of those plans to ensure we are capable of providing uninterrupted technology services in the event of major systems outages with alternative secure data centers available in case of broader outages.
Our business operations depend on the proper functioning and availability of our information technology platform, which includes data processing and related electronic communications. We communicate electronically internally and externally with our brokers, program managers, clients, third-party vendors, regulators and others. These communications and the data we handle may include personal, confidential or proprietary information. We ensure that all our systems, data and electronic transmissions are appropriately protected with the latest technology safeguards and meet regulatory standards.
Despite these safeguards, a significant cyber incident, including system failure, security breach and disruption by malware or other damage could interrupt or delay our operations and possibly our results. This type of incident may result in a violation of applicable data security, privacy, or other laws, damage our reputation, cause a loss of customers or give rise to regulatory scrutiny as well as monetary fines and other penalties. Management is not aware of a cybersecurity incident that has had a material impact on our operations. See also ITEM 1A, “Risk Factors” and ITEM 1C, “Cybersecurity”.
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Expected Cash Outflows. The following table shows our significant expected cash outflows for the period indicated.
| Payments due by period | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | Total | Less than 1 year | 1-3 years | 3-5 years | More than 5 years | |||||||||||||
| Senior notes | $ | 2,400 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 2,400 | ||||||||
| Long term notes | 219 | — | — | — | 219 | |||||||||||||
| Federal Home Loan Bank of New York | 1,019 | 719 | 300 | — | — | |||||||||||||
| Interest expense (1) | 2,670 | 100 | 200 | 200 | 2,170 | |||||||||||||
| Operating lease agreements | 247 | 28 | 51 | 43 | 125 | |||||||||||||
| Gross reserve for losses and LAE (2) | 34,312 | 6,313 | 10,724 | 6,873 | 10,402 | |||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 40,867 | $ | 7,160 | $ | 11,275 | $ | 7,116 | $ | 15,316 |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
(1) Interest expense on long-term notes is calculated at the variable floating rate of 6.50%, as of December 31, 2025. This excludes interest on Federal Home Loan Bank of New York borrowings.
(2) Loss and LAE reserves represent management’s best estimate of losses from claim and related settlement costs. Both the amounts and timing of such payments are estimates, and the inherent variability of resolving claims as well as changes in market conditions make the timing of cash flows uncertain. Therefore, the ultimate amount and timing of loss and LAE payments could differ from our estimates.
The cash outflows for senior notes and long-term notes are the responsibility of Holdings. We strive to ensure that we have sufficient cash flow, liquidity, investments and access to capital markets to satisfy these obligations. Holdings generally depends upon dividends from Everest Re, its operating insurance subsidiary for its funding, capital contributions from Group or access to the capital markets.
Our various operating insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries have sufficient cash flow, liquidity and investments to settle outstanding reserves for losses and LAE. Additionally, the Company has entered into ADC reinsurance agreements to reinsure potential adverse loss development which resulted in reinsurance recoverables of $1,253 million as of December 31, 2025. Management believes that we, and each of our entities, have sufficient financial resources or ready access thereto, to meet all obligations.
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Dividends.
During 2025 and 2024, we declared and paid common shareholder dividends of $335 million and $334 million, respectively. As an insurance holding company, we are partially dependent on dividends and other permitted payments from our subsidiaries to pay cash dividends to our shareholders. The payment of dividends to Group by Holdings Ireland and Everest Dublin Holdings is subject to Irish corporate and regulatory restrictions; the payment of dividends to Holdings Ireland by Holdings and to Holdings by Everest Re is subject to Delaware regulatory restrictions; and the payment of dividends to Group by Bermuda Re, Everest International, Everest Preferred International Holdings (“Preferred Holdings”), Everest Re Advisors Ltd. (“Advisors Re”) or Mt. Logan Re is subject to Bermuda insurance regulatory restrictions. Management expects that, absent extraordinary catastrophe losses, such restrictions should not affect Everest Re’s ability to declare and pay dividends sufficient to support Holdings’ general corporate needs and that Holdings Ireland, Everest Dublin Holdings, Bermuda Re and Everest International will have the ability to declare and pay dividends sufficient to support Group’s general corporate needs. For the year ended December 31, 2025, Everest Re paid $200 million cash dividends to Holdings. For the year ended December 31, 2024, Everest Re paid no cash dividends to Holdings. For the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, Bermuda Re paid cash dividends to Group of $1.1 billion and $750 million, respectively; Everest International paid cash dividends to Group of $325 million and $100 million, respectively; Preferred Holdings paid cash dividends to Group of $36 million and $46 million, respectively; and Advisors Re paid cash dividends to Group of $76 million and $74 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2025, Mt. Logan Re paid $35 million cash dividends to Group. For the year ended December 31, 2024, Mt. Logan Re paid no cash dividends to Group. See ITEM 1, “Regulatory Matters - Dividends” and ITEM 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” - Note 18 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Market Sensitive Instruments.
Our current investment strategy seeks to maximize after-tax income through a high quality, diversified, fixed maturity portfolio, while maintaining an adequate level of liquidity. Our mix of investments is adjusted periodically, consistent with our current and projected operating results and market conditions. The fixed maturity securities in the investment portfolio are comprised of available for sale and held to maturity securities. Additionally, we have invested in equity securities.
The overall investment strategy considers the scope of present and anticipated Company operations. In particular, estimates of the financial impact resulting from non-investment asset and liability transactions, together with our capital structure and other factors, are used to develop a net liability analysis. This analysis includes estimated payout characteristics for which our investments provide liquidity. This analysis is considered in the development of specific investment strategies for asset allocation, duration and credit quality. The change in overall market sensitive risk exposure principally reflects the asset changes that took place during the period.
Our $45.4 billion investment portfolio at December 31, 2025, is principally comprised of fixed maturity securities, which are generally subject to interest rate risk and some foreign currency exchange rate risk, and some equity securities, which are subject to price fluctuations and some foreign exchange rate risk. The overall economic impact of the foreign exchange risks on the investment portfolio is partially mitigated by changes in the dollar value of foreign currency denominated liabilities and their associated income statement impact.
Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the potential change in value of the fixed maturity securities portfolio from a change in market interest rates. In a declining interest rate environment, interest rate risk includes prepayment risk on the $8.7 billion of mortgage-backed securities in the $35.1 billion fixed maturity portfolio. Prepayment risk results from potential accelerated principal payments that shorten the average life and thus the expected yield of the security.
The tables below display the potential impact of fair value fluctuations and after-tax unrealized appreciation on our fixed maturity portfolio (including $3.0 billion of short-term investments) for the period indicated based on upward and downward parallel and immediate 100 and 200 basis point shifts in interest rates. For legal entities with a U.S. dollar functional currency, this modeling was performed on each security individually. To generate appropriate price estimates on mortgage-backed securities, changes in prepayment expectations under different interest rate environments were taken into account. For legal entities with a non-U.S. dollar functional currency, the effective duration of the involved portfolio of securities was used as a proxy for the fair value change under the various interest rate change scenarios.
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| Impact of Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points At December 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -200 | -100 | 0 | 100 | 200 | ||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total Fair Value | $ | 40,781 | $ | 39,458 | $ | 38,134 | $ | 36,811 | $ | 35,487 | ||||||||
| Fair Value Change from Base (%) | 6.9 | % | 3.5 | % | — | % | (3.5) | % | (6.9) | % | ||||||||
| Change in Unrealized Appreciation | ||||||||||||||||||
| After-tax from Base ($) | $ | 2,139 | $ | 1,069 | $ | — | $ | (1,069) | $ | (2,139) |
| Impact of Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points At December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -200 | -100 | 0 | 100 | 200 | ||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total Fair Value | $ | 36,514 | $ | 35,443 | $ | 34,372 | $ | 33,302 | $ | 32,231 | ||||||||
| Fair Value Change from Base (%) | 6.2 | % | 3.1 | % | — | % | (3.1) | % | (6.2) | % | ||||||||
| Change in Unrealized Appreciation | ||||||||||||||||||
| After-tax from Base ($) | $ | 1,834 | $ | 917 | $ | — | $ | (917) | $ | (1,834) |
We had $34.3 billion and $29.9 billion of gross reserves for losses and LAE as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. These amounts are recorded at their nominal value, as opposed to present value, which would reflect a discount adjustment to reflect the time value of money. Since losses are paid out over a period of time, the present value of the reserves is less than the nominal value. As interest rates rise, the present value of the reserves decreases and, conversely, as interest rates decline, the present value increases. These movements are similar to the interest rate impacts on the fair value of investments held. While the difference between present value and nominal value is not reflected in our financial statements, our financial results will include investment income over time from the investment portfolio until the claims are paid. Our loss and loss reserve obligations have an expected duration of approximately 4.0 years, which is reasonably consistent with our fixed income portfolio. If we were to discount our loss and LAE reserves, net of ceded reserves, the discount would be approximately $5.1 billion resulting in a discounted reserve balance of approximately $25.5 billion, representing approximately 66.8% of the value of the fixed maturity investment portfolio funds.
Foreign Currency Risk. Foreign currency risk is the potential change in value, income and cash flow arising from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Each of our non-U.S./Bermuda operations maintains capital in the currency of the country of its geographic location consistent with local regulatory guidelines. Each non-U.S. operation may conduct business in its local currency, as well as the currency of other countries in which it operates. The primary foreign currency exposures for these non-U.S. operations are the Canadian Dollar, the Singapore Dollar, the British Pound Sterling and the Euro. Generally, we mitigate foreign exchange exposure by matching the currency and duration of our assets to our corresponding operating liabilities. In accordance with GAAP, the impact on the fair value of available for sale fixed maturities due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, in relation to functional currency, is reflected as part of other comprehensive income. Conversely, the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, in relation to functional currency, on other assets and liabilities is reflected through net income as a component of other income (expense). In addition, we translate the assets, liabilities and income of non-U.S. dollar functional currency legal entities to the U.S. dollar. This translation amount is reported as a component of other comprehensive income.
The tables below display the potential impact of a parallel and immediate 10% and 20% increase and decrease in foreign exchange rates on the valuation of invested assets subject to foreign currency exposure for the periods indicated. This analysis includes the after-tax impact of translation from transactional currency to functional currency as well as the after-tax impact of translation from functional currency to the U.S. dollar reporting currency.
| Change in Foreign Exchange Rates in Percent At December 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | -20% | -10% | 0% | 10% | 20% | |||||||||||||
| Total After-tax Foreign Exchange Exposure | $ | (1,918) | $ | (959) | $ | — | $ | 959 | $ | 1,918 |
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| Change in Foreign Exchange Rates in Percent At December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | -20% | -10% | 0% | 10% | 20% | |||||||||||||
| Total After-tax Foreign Exchange Exposure | $ | (1,426) | $ | (713) | $ | — | $ | 713 | $ | 1,426 |
MD&A history
Prior-year 10-K MD&A spans are extracted from SEC filings with the same bounded parser used for the latest filing. The latest 10-K appears above; prior years are below.
FY 2024 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001095073-25-000015.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION
Overview.
Everest is a global underwriting leader providing best-in-class property, casualty and specialty reinsurance and insurance solutions. As part of the Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) 500 Index, we are a leading financial services institution focused on value creation for our shareholders while diversifying our portfolio and geographic presence. Through our direct and indirect subsidiaries operating in the U.S. and internationally, we serve a diverse group of clients worldwide, providing what we believe are extensive product and distribution capabilities, a strong balance sheet, an innovative culture and access to world-class talent.
As a global leader with a 50-year track record, we are a preferred Reinsurance partner in the markets we serve, and with
our growing Insurance franchise we strive to deliver consistent value to all our stakeholders. We continue to grow and develop our Insurance business, investing in our global platform and strengthening our portfolio and its potential to deliver on our customer promise.
During 2024, we formed a new “Other” segment, primarily comprised of the results of our sports and leisure business sold in October 2024, consisting of policies written prior to the sale and polices renewed and certain new business written on the Company’s paper post-sale. It also includes run-off asbestos and environmental (“A&E”) exposures, certain discontinued insurance programs primarily written prior to 2012 and certain discontinued insurance and reinsurance coverage classes. The Other segment does not generally sell insurance or reinsurance products but is responsible for the management of existing policies and settlement of related losses. These segment presentation changes have been reflected retrospectively. The Company will continue to have two reportable segments that actively sell products, Reinsurance and Insurance, consistent with how the on-going business is managed. See Note 6 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of segment results.
Our current year net income of $1.4 billion is inclusive of unfavorable development of prior-year loss reserves of $1.5 billion. Following a comprehensive reserve review, we have significantly fortified our U.S. casualty reserves, while taking aggressive underwriting action in certain classes exposed to social inflation, bolstering talent and investing in our platform as we head into 2025. Refer to management’s discussion of consolidated and segment results below.
The following is a discussion and analysis of our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and capital resources for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes, under ITEM 8 of this Form 10-K. Pursuant to the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act Modernization and Simplification of Regulation S-K, comparisons between 2023 and 2022 have been omitted from this Form 10-K but can be found in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Part II, Item 7 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.
All comparisons in this discussion are to the corresponding prior year unless otherwise indicated.
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Financial Summary.
We monitor and evaluate our overall performance based upon financial results. The following table displays a summary of the consolidated net income (loss), ratios and shareholders’ equity for the periods indicated:
| Years Ended December 31, | Percentage Increase/(Decrease) | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2024/2023 | 2023/2022 | ||||||||||||
| Gross written premiums | $ | 18,232 | $ | 16,637 | $ | 13,952 | 9.6 | % | 19.2 | % | |||||||
| Net written premiums | 15,814 | 14,730 | 12,344 | 7.4 | % | 19.3 | % | ||||||||||
| REVENUES: | |||||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 15,187 | $ | 13,443 | $ | 11,787 | 13.0 | % | 14.0 | % | |||||||
| Net investment income | 1,954 | 1,434 | 830 | 36.3 | % | 72.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Net gains (losses) on investments | 19 | (276) | (455) | NM | (39.3) | % | |||||||||||
| Other income (expense) | 121 | (14) | (102) | NM | (86.3) | % | |||||||||||
| Total revenues | 17,281 | 14,587 | 12,060 | 18.5 | % | 20.9 | % | ||||||||||
| CLAIMS AND EXPENSES: | |||||||||||||||||
| Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses | 11,305 | 8,427 | 8,100 | 34.1 | % | 4.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees | 3,300 | 2,952 | 2,528 | 11.8 | % | 16.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 938 | 846 | 682 | 10.9 | % | 24.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Corporate expenses | 95 | 73 | 61 | 30.5 | % | 19.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Interest, fees and bond issue cost amortization expense | 149 | 134 | 101 | 11.1 | % | 33.2 | % | ||||||||||
| Total claims and expenses | 15,787 | 12,432 | 11,472 | 27.0 | % | 8.4 | % | ||||||||||
| INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES | 1,493 | 2,154 | 588 | (30.7) | % | NM | |||||||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 120 | (363) | (9) | NM | NM | ||||||||||||
| NET INCOME (LOSS) | $ | 1,373 | $ | 2,517 | $ | 597 | (45.4) | % | NM | ||||||||
| RATIOS: | Point Change | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss ratio | 74.4 | % | 62.7 | % | 68.7 | % | 11.7 | (6.0) | |||||||||
| Commission and brokerage ratio | 21.7 | % | 22.0 | % | 21.4 | % | (0.3) | 0.6 | |||||||||
| Other underwriting expense ratio | 6.2 | % | 6.3 | % | 5.8 | % | (0.1) | 0.5 | |||||||||
| Combined ratio | 102.3 | % | 90.9 | % | 96.0 | % | 11.4 | (5.1) |
| At December 31, | Percentage Increase/(Decrease) | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2024/2023 | 2023/2022 | ||||||||||||
| Balance sheet data: | |||||||||||||||||
| Total investments and cash | $ | 41,531 | $ | 37,142 | $ | 29,872 | 11.8 | % | 24.3 | % | |||||||
| Total assets | 56,341 | 49,399 | 39,966 | 14.1 | % | 23.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves | 29,889 | 24,604 | 22,065 | 21.5 | % | 11.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Total debt | 3,587 | 3,385 | 3,084 | 6.0 | % | 9.8 | % | ||||||||||
| Total liabilities | 42,466 | 36,197 | 31,525 | 17.3 | % | 14.8 | % | ||||||||||
| Shareholders' equity | 13,875 | 13,202 | 8,441 | 5.1 | % | 56.4 | % | ||||||||||
| Book value per share | 322.97 | 304.29 | 215.54 | 6.1 | % | 41.2 | % |
(NM - not meaningful)
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
Revenues.
Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 9.6% to $18.2 billion in 2024, compared to $16.6 billion in 2023, reflecting a $1.5 billion, or 12.9% increase in our reinsurance business and a $191 million, or 3.9%, increase in our insurance business. The increase in reinsurance premiums reflects growth across multiple lines of business, particularly property and casualty pro rata business and property catastrophe excess of loss business. The increase in insurance
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premiums reflects growth in property/short tail business and other specialty business, partially offset by portfolio actions taken on accident and health, workers’ compensation and specialty casualty lines of business.
Net written premiums increased by 7.4% to $15.8 billion in 2024, compared to $14.7 billion in 2023. The current year over prior year increase remained relatively consistent with the percentage increase in gross written premiums.
Premiums earned increased by 13.0% to $15.2 billion in 2024, compared to $13.4 billion in 2023, which is consistent with the percentage changes in gross written premiums. The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums was primarily the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are generally recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.
Other Income (Expense). We recorded other income of $121 million and other expense of $14 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The change was primarily the result of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, gain from the sale of the sports and leisure business and gain from pension plan curtailment. We recognized foreign currency exchange income of $58 million in 2024 and foreign currency exchange expense of $24 million in 2023. Additionally, we recognized a $40 million gain on sale of our sports and leisure business, including renewal rights, sold during the fourth quarter and a $9 million pension plan curtailment gain.
Claims and Expenses.
Incurred Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (“LAE”). The following table presents our incurred losses and LAE for the periods indicated:
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | Current Year | Ratio %/ Pt Change | Prior Years | Ratio %/ Pt Change | Total Incurred | Ratio %/ Pt Change | ||||||||||||||
| 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 9,074 | 59.8 | % | $ | 1,475 | 9.7 | % | $ | 10,550 | 69.5 | % | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 893 | 5.9 | % | (138) | (0.9) | % | 755 | 5.0 | % | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 9,967 | 65.6 | % | $ | 1,337 | 8.8 | % | $ | 11,305 | 74.4 | % | ||||||||
| 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 7,963 | 59.2 | % | $ | (5) | — | % | $ | 7,958 | 59.2 | % | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 470 | 3.5 | % | — | — | % | 470 | 3.5 | % | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 8,432 | 62.7 | % | $ | (5) | — | % | $ | 8,427 | 62.7 | % | ||||||||
| 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 7,047 | 59.8 | % | $ | (2) | — | % | $ | 7,045 | 59.8 | % | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 1,055 | 9.0 | % | — | — | % | 1,055 | 9.0 | % | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 8,102 | 68.8 | % | $ | (2) | — | % | $ | 8,100 | 68.7 | % | ||||||||
| Variance 2024/2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 1,112 | 0.5 | pts | $ | 1,481 | 9.8 | pts | $ | 2,592 | 10.3 | pts | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 423 | 2.4 | pts | (138) | (0.9) | pts | 285 | 1.5 | pts | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 1,535 | 2.9 | pts | $ | 1,342 | 8.8 | pts | $ | 2,877 | 11.7 | pts | ||||||||
| Variance 2023/2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 916 | (0.5) | pts | $ | (3) | — | pts | $ | 912 | (0.6) | pts | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | (585) | (5.5) | pts | — | — | pts | (585) | (5.5) | pts | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 331 | (6.0) | pts | $ | (3) | — | pts | $ | 327 | (6.0) | pts |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
Incurred losses and LAE increased by 34.1% to $11.3 billion in 2024, compared to $8.4 billion in 2023, primarily due to an increase of $1.1 billion in current year attritional losses, an increase of $423 million in current year catastrophe losses and unfavorable development on prior year attritional losses of $1.5 billion, partially offset by favorable development on prior year catastrophe losses of $138 million.
The increase in current year attritional losses was mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned, changes in the mix of business and strengthening of current accident year U.S. casualty reserves by $206 million in the Insurance
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segment. The current year catastrophe losses of $893 million in 2024 related primarily to Hurricane Milton ($320 million), Hurricane Helene ($94 million), Hurricane Beryl ($64 million), Hurricane Debby ($56 million), the 2024 European flood Boris ($56 million), the 2024 Baltimore bridge collapse ($55 million), the third quarter 2024 Calgary Alberta storms ($54 million), the 2024 Brazil Floods ($41 million), the 2024 Dubai floods ($32 million), the 2024 Germany floods ($31 million), the 2024 New Caledonia Riots ($31 million) and the 2024 Taiwan earthquake ($27 million), with the remaining losses resulting from various events. The $470 million of current year catastrophe losses in 2023 related primarily to the 2023 Turkey earthquakes ($103 million), Hurricane Otis ($100 million), the 2023 Italy convective storm ($57 million), the 2023 New Zealand storms ($45 million), the 2023 Morocco earthquake ($40 million), the 2023 Hawaii wildfire ($32 million) and Hurricane Idalia ($23 million), with the remaining losses resulting from various storm events.
Unfavorable development on prior year attritional losses was $1.5 billion in 2024 compared to favorable development of $5 million in 2023. The net unfavorable development on prior year attritional reserves of $1.5 billion in 2024 is comprised of $1.1 billion of unfavorable development on prior years attritional losses from the Insurance segment, mainly driven by a combination of social inflation and portfolio concentrations in certain U.S. casualty lines and $403 million of unfavorable development on prior years attritional losses from the Other segment, mainly related to certain sports and leisure lines for accident years 2019 through 2023, including A&E reserve strengthening of $54 million. In addition, the Reinsurance segment recorded $684 million of unfavorable development on prior year casualty reserves. This unfavorable development in the Reinsurance segment was largely offset by favorable development booked on well-seasoned reserves in the property and mortgage lines.
Catastrophe losses and loss expenses typically have a material effect on our incurred losses and LAE results and can vary significantly from period to period. Losses from natural catastrophes contributed 5.9 percentage points to the combined ratio in 2024, compared with 3.5 percentage points in 2023.
Refer to the “Ratios” section for loss ratio analysis discussion.
Commission, Brokerage, Taxes and Fees. Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees increased by 11.8% to $3.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $3.0 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned and changes in the mix of business. Refer to the “Ratios” section for commission and brokerage ratio analysis discussion.
Other Underwriting Expenses. Other underwriting expenses were $938 million and $846 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in other underwriting expenses was mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned as well as the continued build out of our insurance operations, including an expansion of the international insurance platform. Refer to the “Ratios” section for other underwriting expense ratio analysis discussion.
Corporate Expenses. Corporate expenses, which are general operating expenses that are not allocated to segments, were $95 million and $73 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily due to information management related costs, including the acceleration of cybersecurity, corporate applications and infrastructure investments as well as an increase in compensation costs due to increased headcount from the prior year.
Interest, Fees and Bond Issue Cost Amortization Expense. Interest, fees and other bond amortization expense was $149 million and $134 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase was primarily driven by higher interest costs resulting from additional borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (“FHLBNY”), offset by the change in the floating interest rate related to the Company’s outstanding fixed to floating rate long-term subordinated notes, which is reset quarterly per the note agreement. The floating rate was 7.17% as of December 31, 2024, compared to 8.03% as of December 31, 2023.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit). Everest had an income tax expense of $120 million and income tax benefit of $363 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively. An income tax expense/benefit is primarily a function of the geographic location of the Company’s pre-tax income and the statutory tax rates in those jurisdictions. The effective tax rate (“ETR”) is primarily affected by tax-exempt investment income, foreign tax credits and dividends. Variations in the ETR generally result from changes in the relative levels of pre-tax income, including the impact of catastrophe losses and net capital gains (losses), among jurisdictions with different tax rates. The tax benefit in 2023 was primarily due to the implementation of the provisions of the Bermuda Corporate Income Tax Act of 2023 (“The 2023 Act”).
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On December 27, 2023, the Government of Bermuda enacted the Corporate Income Tax Act 2023 (“The 2023 Act”), which will apply a 15% corporate income tax to certain Bermuda businesses in fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2025. The 2023 Act includes a provision referred to as “The Economic Transition Adjustment” (the “ETA”), which is intended to provide a fair and equitable transition into the new tax regime, and results in a deferred tax benefit for the Company. However, on January 15, 2025, the OECD issued Guidance related to “deferred tax assets arising from tax benefits provided by General Government” whereby it has restricted the utilization of those deferred tax benefits against the computation of its Pillar Two Global Minimum Taxes to approximately 20% of the originally calculated amounts and only for a grace period of two years through 2026. If the Bermuda Ministry of Finance amends The 2023 Act in response to this Guidance, the exact impact of any such amendments is uncertain but there is a risk that it results in a reduction in the Company's Deferred Tax Assets.
On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”) was enacted. We have evaluated the tax provisions of the IRA, the most significant of which are the corporate alternative minimum tax and the share repurchase excise tax, and do not expect the legislation to have a material impact on our results of operations.
Net Income (Loss).
Our net income was $1.4 billion and $2.5 billion in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The decline was primarily driven by a decrease in underwriting income of $1.6 billion resulting from the unfavorable prior year development recognized in 2024, partially offset by an increase of $520 million in net investment income.
Ratios.
Our combined ratio increased by 11.4 points to 102.3% in 2024, compared to 90.9% in 2023. The current year increase is primarily due to prior year development on attritional losses and higher current year catastrophe losses.
The loss ratio component increased by 11.7 points in 2024 over the same period last year mainly due to an increase of $423 million in catastrophe losses and prior year development on attritional losses.
The commission and brokerage ratio components decreased to 21.7% in 2024, compared to 22.0% in 2023. The decrease was mainly due to changes in the mix of business.
The other underwriting expense ratio decreased to 6.2% in 2024, compared to 6.3% in 2023. The decrease was mainly due to Reinsurance segment continued leverage against its premium base, offset by Insurance segment expenses driven by continued international growth.
Shareholders’ Equity.
Shareholders’ equity increased by $673 million to $13.9 billion at December 31, 2024 from $13.2 billion at December 31, 2023, principally as a result of $1.4 billion of net income, partially offset by $334 million of shareholder dividends, $200 million of share repurchases, $128 million of net foreign currency translation adjustments and $127 million of unrealized depreciation on fixed income available for sale securities, net of tax.
Consolidated Investment Results
Net Investment Income.
Net investment income increased by 36.3% to $2.0 billion in 2024, compared with net investment income of $1.4 billion in 2023. The increase was primarily the result of an additional $382 million of income from fixed maturity and short-term investments, an increase of $84 million in income from limited partnerships and an increase of $45 million in income from other alternative investments. The limited partnership income primarily reflects changes in their reported net asset values. As such, until these asset values are monetized and the resultant income is distributed, they are subject to volatile results of future increases or decreases in the asset value.
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The following table shows the components of net investment income for the periods indicated:
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Fixed maturities | $ | 1,481 | $ | 1,153 | $ | 742 | ||||
| Equity securities | 3 | 3 | 16 | |||||||
| Short-term investments and cash | 195 | 140 | 28 | |||||||
| Other invested assets | ||||||||||
| Limited partnerships | 206 | 122 | 75 | |||||||
| Other | 104 | 59 | 29 | |||||||
| Gross investment income before adjustments | 1,989 | 1,477 | 890 | |||||||
| Funds held interest income (expense) | 26 | 10 | 2 | |||||||
| Future policy benefit reserve income (expense) | (1) | (1) | — | |||||||
| Gross investment income | 2,013 | 1,486 | 892 | |||||||
| Investment expenses | 59 | 53 | 62 | |||||||
| Net investment income | $ | 1,954 | $ | 1,434 | $ | 830 |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
The following tables show a comparison of various investment yields for the periods indicated:
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annualized pre-tax yield on average cash and invested assets | 4.9 | % | 4.1 | % | 2.7 | % | ||
| Annualized after-tax yield on average cash and invested assets | 4.2 | % | 3.6 | % | 2.3 | % | ||
| Annualized return on invested assets | 4.9 | % | 3.3 | % | 1.2 | % |
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed income portfolio total return | 4.0 | % | 6.8 | % | (5.9) | % | ||
| Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Index | 1.3 | % | 5.5 | % | (13.0) | % | ||
| Common equity portfolio total return | 10.9 | % | 17.6 | % | (18.5) | % | ||
| S&P 500 index | 25.0 | % | 26.3 | % | (18.1) | % | ||
| Other invested asset portfolio total return | 6.5 | % | 4.3 | % | 4.5 | % |
The pre-tax equivalent total return for the bond portfolio was approximately 4.0% and 6.8%, respectively, in 2024 and 2023. The pre-tax equivalent return adjusts the yield on tax-exempt bonds to the fully taxable equivalent.
Invested Assets.
The Company’s cash and invested assets totaled $41.5 billion at December 31, 2024, which consisted of 86.5% fixed maturities, short term investments and cash and 13.5% of other invested assets and equity securities. Of the total fixed maturities, 96.4% were investment grade. Additionally, the average maturity of fixed maturity securities was 4.9 years at December 31, 2024, and their overall average duration was 3.1 years.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company did not have any direct investments in commercial real estate, direct commercial mortgages or securities of issuers that are experiencing cash flow difficulty to an extent that the Company’s management believes that the issuer’s ability to meet debt service payments, except where an allowance for credit losses has been recognized, is threatened.
The Company’s investment portfolio includes structured commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) with a book value of $985 million and a fair value of $921 million. As of December 31, 2024, 85.2% of CMBS securities in our investment portfolio are rated AAA by nationally recognized rating agencies. The remainder of CMBS securities in our investment portfolio are rated investment grade by nationally recognized rating agencies.
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The following table represents the credit quality distribution of the Company’s fixed maturities for the periods indicated:
| At December 31, | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | Fair Value/Amortized Cost (1) | Percent of Total | Fair Value/Amortized Cost (1) | Percent of Total | |||||||||
| Rating Agency Credit Quality Distribution: | |||||||||||||
| AAA | $ | 6,934 | 23.4 | % | $ | 7,011 | 24.5 | % | |||||
| AA | 8,971 | 30.2 | % | 8,629 | 30.2 | % | |||||||
| A | 8,216 | 27.7 | % | 7,297 | 25.5 | % | |||||||
| BBB | 4,464 | 15.0 | % | 4,168 | 14.6 | % | |||||||
| BB | 738 | 2.5 | % | 1,067 | 3.7 | % | |||||||
| B | 103 | 0.3 | % | 132 | 0.5 | % | |||||||
| Rated below B | 32 | 0.1 | % | 51 | 0.2 | % | |||||||
| Other | 206 | 0.7 | % | 240 | 0.8 | % | |||||||
| Total | $ | 29,665 | 100.0 | % | $ | 28,595 | 100.0 | % |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
(1)Fixed maturities-available for sale are at fair value and fixed maturities-held to maturity are at amortized cost, net of allowances for credit losses.
The following table summarizes fixed maturities by contractual maturity for the periods indicated:
| At December 31, | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | Fair Value/Amortized Cost (1) (2) | Percent of Total | Fair Value/Amortized Cost (1) (2) | Percent of Total | |||||||||
| Fixed maturity securities | |||||||||||||
| Due in one year or less | $ | 1,087 | 3.7 | % | $ | 1,266 | 4.4 | % | |||||
| Due after one year through five years | 8,546 | 28.8 | % | 6,916 | 24.2 | % | |||||||
| Due after five years through ten years | 4,560 | 15.4 | % | 5,448 | 19.1 | % | |||||||
| Due after ten years | 1,871 | 6.3 | % | 2,585 | 9.0 | % | |||||||
| Asset-backed securities | 6,462 | 21.8 | % | 6,221 | 21.8 | % | |||||||
| Mortgage-backed securities | 7,141 | 24.1 | % | 6,159 | 21.5 | % | |||||||
| Total fixed maturity securities | $ | 29,665 | 100.0 | % | $ | 28,595 | 100.0 | % |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
(1) Fixed maturities-available for sale are at fair value and fixed maturities-held to maturity are at amortized cost, net of allowances for credit losses.
(2) The amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities are shown by contractual maturity. Mortgage-backed securities are generally more likely to be prepaid than other fixed maturity securities. As the stated maturity of such securities may not be indicative of actual maturities, the totals for mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are shown separately.
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Net Gains (Losses) on Investments.
The following table presents the composition of our net gains (losses) on investments for the periods indicated:
| Years Ended December 31, | 2024/2023 | 2023/2022 | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | Variance | Variance | |||||||||||||
| Realized gains (losses) from dispositions: | ||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed maturity securities - available for sale | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gains | $ | 166 | $ | 35 | $ | 40 | $ | 131 | $ | (5) | ||||||||
| Losses | (160) | (327) | (127) | 167 | (200) | |||||||||||||
| Total | 6 | (292) | (87) | 298 | (205) | |||||||||||||
| Equity securities | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gains | 2 | 8 | 165 | (7) | (156) | |||||||||||||
| Losses | (1) | — | (53) | (1) | 53 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 1 | 8 | 112 | (7) | (104) | |||||||||||||
| Other Invested Assets | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gains | — | — | 18 | — | (18) | |||||||||||||
| Losses | (1) | — | (5) | (1) | 5 | |||||||||||||
| Total | (1) | — | 13 | (1) | (13) | |||||||||||||
| Short Term Investments | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gains | 1 | 1 | — | — | 1 | |||||||||||||
| Losses | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||
| Total | 1 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||
| Total net realized gains (losses) from dispositions | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gains | 169 | 44 | 223 | 125 | (179) | |||||||||||||
| Losses | (162) | (327) | (185) | 165 | (142) | |||||||||||||
| Total | 7 | (283) | 38 | 290 | (322) | |||||||||||||
| Allowance for credit losses | 13 | 7 | (33) | 6 | 40 | |||||||||||||
| Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments | ||||||||||||||||||
| Equity securities | (1) | — | (460) | (1) | 461 | |||||||||||||
| Total | (1) | — | (460) | (1) | 461 | |||||||||||||
| Total net gains (losses) on investments | $ | 19 | $ | (276) | $ | (455) | $ | 295 | $ | 179 |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
Total net gains (losses) on investments in 2024 primarily consist of $7 million of net gains due to the disposition of investments and a decrease to the allowance for credit losses of $13 million. The realized gains from dispositions of investments mainly related to the execution of a Company strategy to sell lower yielding investments in order to reinvest the proceeds at higher interest rates.
Segment Results.
Our two reportable segments, Reinsurance and Insurance, each have executive leadership who are responsible for the overall performance of their respective segments and who are directly accountable to our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), the Chief Executive Officer of Everest Group, Ltd., who is ultimately responsible for reviewing the business to assess performance, make operating decisions and allocate resources. We report the results of our operations consistent with the manner in which our CODM reviews the business.
During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company revised its classification and presentation of certain run-off business, previously included within the Reinsurance and Insurance reportable segments, as part of a new segment called "Other". The new Other segment includes the results of our sports and leisure business sold in October 2024, consisting of policies written prior to the sale and polices renewed and certain new business written on the Company’s paper post-sale. It also
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includes run-off A&E exposures, certain discontinued insurance programs primarily written prior to 2012 and certain discontinued insurance and reinsurance coverage classes. The Other segment does not generally sell insurance or reinsurance products but is responsible for the management of existing policies and settlement of related losses. Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company revised the classification and presentation of certain products related to its accident and health business within the reportable segment groupings. These products have been realigned from within the Reinsurance segment to the Insurance segment to appropriately reflect how the business segments are managed due to changes in management implemented during the fourth quarter of 2023. These segment presentation changes have been reflected retrospectively. The Company will continue to have two reportable segments that actively sell products, Reinsurance and Insurance, consistent with how the on-going business is managed.
The Company does not review and evaluate the financial results of its segments based upon balance sheet data. Management generally monitors and evaluates the financial performance of these segments based upon their underwriting results. Underwriting results include earned premium less losses and LAE incurred, commission and brokerage expenses and other underwriting expenses. The Company measures its underwriting results using ratios, in particular, loss, commission and brokerage and other underwriting expense ratios, which, respectively, divide incurred losses, commissions and brokerage and other underwriting expenses by premiums earned. Management has determined that these measures are appropriate and align with how the business is managed. We continue to evaluate our segments as our business evolves and may further refine our segments and financial performance measures.
The following discusses the underwriting results for each of our segments for the periods indicated.
Reinsurance.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the Reinsurance segment for the periods indicated:
| Years Ended December 31, | 2024/2023 | 2023/2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | Variance | % Change | Variance | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gross written premiums | $ | 12,941 | $ | 11,460 | $ | 9,246 | $ | 1,481 | 12.9 | % | $ | 2,214 | 23.9 | % | |||||||||||
| Net written premiums | 11,969 | 10,802 | 8,917 | 1,167 | 10.8 | % | 1,884 | 21.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 11,412 | $ | 9,799 | $ | 8,596 | $ | 1,613 | 16.5 | % | $ | 1,203 | 14.0 | % | |||||||||||
| Incurred losses and LAE | 7,103 | 5,690 | 5,962 | 1,413 | 24.8 | % | (272) | (4.6) | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Commission and brokerage | 2,837 | 2,520 | 2,116 | 317 | 12.6 | % | 404 | 19.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 290 | 254 | 216 | 36 | 14.1 | % | 38 | 17.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Underwriting gain (loss) | $ | 1,181 | $ | 1,334 | $ | 302 | $ | (153) | (11.5) | % | $ | 1,032 | NM | ||||||||||||
| Point Chg | Point Chg | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss ratio | 62.2 | % | 58.1 | % | 69.4 | % | 4.2 | (11.3) | |||||||||||||||||
| Commission and brokerage ratio | 24.9 | % | 25.7 | % | 24.6 | % | (0.8) | 1.1 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other underwriting expense ratio | 2.5 | % | 2.6 | % | 2.5 | % | (0.1) | 0.1 | |||||||||||||||||
| Combined ratio | 89.7 | % | 86.4 | % | 96.5 | % | 3.3 | (10.1) |
(NM, not meaningful)
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 12.9% to $12.9 billion in 2024 from $11.5 billion in 2023. The increase in gross written premiums reflects growth across multiple lines of business, particularly property and casualty pro rata business and property catastrophe excess of loss business.
Net written premiums increased by 10.8% to $12.0 billion in 2024, compared to $10.8 billion in 2023. The current year over prior year increase remained relatively consistent with the percentage increase in gross written premiums.
Premiums earned increased by 16.5% to $11.4 billion in 2024, compared to $9.8 billion in 2023. The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is primarily the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are generally recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.
During 2023, the Company refined its premium estimation methodology for its risk attaching reinsurance contracts within its Reinsurance segment to continue to recognize gross written premium over the term of the treaty, albeit over a different pattern than what was previously used. The refined estimate resulted in an increase of gross written premium for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, and has further aligned the estimation methodology across the
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reinsurance division globally. This change had no impact on the total written premium to be recognized over the term of the treaties. There was no impact on net earned premium and therefore, no impact on income from continuing operations, net income or any related per-share amounts.
Incurred Losses and LAE. The following table presents the incurred losses and LAE for the Reinsurance segment for the periods indicated:
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | Current Year | Ratio %/ Pt Change | Prior Years | Ratio %/ Pt Change | Total Incurred | Ratio %/ Pt Change | ||||||||||||||
| 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 6,456 | 56.6 | % | $ | — | — | % | 6,456 | 56.6 | % | |||||||||
| Catastrophes | 772 | 6.8 | % | (125) | (1.1) | % | 647 | 5.7 | % | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 7,228 | 63.3 | % | $ | (125) | (1.1) | % | $ | 7,103 | 62.2 | % | ||||||||
| 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 5,641 | 57.6 | % | $ | (401) | (4.1) | % | $ | 5,241 | 53.5 | % | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 449 | 4.6 | % | — | — | % | 449 | 4.6 | % | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 6,091 | 62.2 | % | $ | (401) | (4.1) | % | $ | 5,690 | 58.1 | % | ||||||||
| 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 5,166 | 60.1 | % | $ | (135) | (1.6) | % | $ | 5,032 | 58.5 | % | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 930 | 10.8 | % | — | — | % | 930 | 10.8 | % | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 6,096 | 70.9 | % | $ | (135) | (1.6) | % | $ | 5,962 | 69.4 | % | ||||||||
| Variance 2024/2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 815 | (1.0) | pts | $ | 401 | 4.1 | pts | $ | 1,216 | 3.1 | pts | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 322 | 2.2 | pts | (125) | (1.1) | pts | 197 | 1.1 | pts | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 1,137 | 1.2 | pts | $ | 276 | 3.0 | pts | $ | 1,413 | 4.2 | pts | ||||||||
| Variance 2023/2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 475 | (2.5) | pts | $ | (266) | (2.5) | pts | $ | 209 | (5.0) | pts | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | (481) | (6.2) | pts | — | — | pts | (481) | (6.2) | pts | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | (5) | (8.8) | pts | $ | (266) | (2.5) | pts | $ | (272) | (11.3) | pts |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
Incurred losses increased by 24.8% to $7.1 billion in 2024, compared to $5.7 billion in 2023. The increase was primarily due to an increase of $815 million in current year attritional losses, an increase of $322 million in current year catastrophe losses and a decrease of favorable development on prior year attritional reserves ($0 million in 2024 and $401 million in 2023), partially offset by favorable development on prior year catastrophe losses of $125 million. The increase in current year attritional losses was mainly related to the impact of the increase in premiums earned. During the current year, prior year U.S. casualty reserves were strengthened by $684 million. This reserve strengthening was fully offset by favorable development on well-seasoned reserves in property and mortgage lines.
The current year catastrophe losses of $772 million in 2024 related primarily to Hurricane Milton ($275 million), Hurricane Helene ($64 million), Hurricane Debby ($55 million), Hurricane Beryl ($54 million), the 2024 European flood Boris ($50 million), the 2024 Baltimore bridge collapse ($50 million), the third quarter 2024 Calgary Alberta storms ($45 million) and the 2024 Brazil Floods ($41 million), the 2024 Dubai floods ($32 million), the 2024 New Caledonia Riots ($31 million), the 2024 Germany floods ($28 million) and the 2024 Taiwan earthquake ($25 million), with the remaining losses resulting from various events. The $449 million of current year catastrophe losses in 2023 related primarily to the 2023 Turkey earthquakes ($103 million), Hurricane Otis ($100 million), the 2023 Italy convective storm ($57 million), the 2023 New Zealand storms ($43 million), the 2023 Morocco earthquake ($40 million), the 2023 Hawaii wildfire ($27 million) and Hurricane Idalia ($23 million), with the remaining losses resulting from various storm events.
Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage expense increased by 12.6% to $2.8 billion in 2024, compared to $2.5 billion in 2023. The increase was mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned and changes in the mix of business. Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $290 million in 2024 from $254 million in 2023. The increase was in line with growth in the business and necessary support functions.
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Insurance.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the Insurance segment for the periods indicated:
| Years Ended December 31, | 2024/2023 | 2023/2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | Variance | % Change | Variance | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gross written premiums | $ | 5,078 | $ | 4,888 | $ | 4,426 | $ | 191 | 3.9 | % | $ | 462 | 10.4 | % | |||||||||||
| Net written premiums | 3,678 | 3,704 | 3,223 | (26) | (0.7) | % | 481 | 14.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 3,579 | $ | 3,420 | $ | 2,998 | $ | 159 | 4.6 | % | $ | 422 | 14.1 | % | |||||||||||
| Incurred losses and LAE | 3,622 | 2,471 | 2,040 | 1,150 | 46.5 | % | 431 | 21.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Commission and brokerage | 439 | 410 | 399 | 29 | 7.0 | % | 11 | 2.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 615 | 556 | 438 | 59 | 10.6 | % | 119 | 27.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Underwriting gain (loss) | $ | (1,097) | $ | (18) | $ | 121 | $ | (1,079) | NM | $ | (139) | NM | |||||||||||||
| Point Chg | Point Chg | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss ratio | 101.2 | % | 72.3 | % | 68.1 | % | 28.9 | 4.2 | |||||||||||||||||
| Commission and brokerage ratio | 12.3 | % | 12.0 | % | 13.3 | % | 0.3 | (1.3) | |||||||||||||||||
| Other underwriting expense ratio | 17.2 | % | 16.3 | % | 14.6 | % | 0.9 | 1.7 | |||||||||||||||||
| Combined ratio | 130.7 | % | 100.5 | % | 96.0 | % | 30.1 | 4.6 |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 3.9% to $5.1 billion in 2024, compared to $4.9 billion in 2023. The increase in insurance premiums reflects growth property/short tail business and other specialty business, partially offset by portfolio actions taken on accident and health, workers’ compensation and casualty lines of business.
Net written premiums decreased by 0.7% to $3.7 billion in 2024, compared to $3.7 billion in 2023. The decrease in net written premiums compared to the increase in gross written premiums was mainly due to lower net retention resulting from changes in the mix of business.
Premiums earned increased by 4.6% to $3.6 billion in 2024, compared to $3.4 billion in 2023. The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is primarily the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are generally recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.
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Incurred Losses and LAE. The following table presents the incurred losses and LAE for the Insurance segment for the periods indicated:
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | Current Year | Ratio %/ Pt Change | Prior Years | Ratio %/ Pt Change | Total Incurred | Ratio %/ Pt Change | ||||||||||||||
| 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 2,443 | 68.3 | % | $ | 1,072 | 30.0 | % | $ | 3,515 | 98.2 | % | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 120 | 3.4 | % | (13) | (0.4) | % | 107 | 3.0 | % | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 2,563 | 71.6 | % | $ | 1,059 | 29.6 | % | $ | 3,622 | 101.2 | % | ||||||||
| 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 2,166 | 63.3 | % | $ | 285 | 8.3 | % | $ | 2,451 | 71.7 | % | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 20 | 0.6 | % | — | — | % | 21 | 0.6 | % | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 2,186 | 63.9 | % | $ | 285 | 8.3 | % | $ | 2,471 | 72.3 | % | ||||||||
| 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 1,882 | 62.8 | % | $ | 34 | 1.1 | % | $ | 1,916 | 63.9 | % | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 125 | 4.2 | % | — | — | % | 125 | 4.2 | % | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 2,006 | 66.9 | % | $ | 34 | 1.1 | % | $ | 2,040 | 68.1 | % | ||||||||
| Variance 2024/2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 277 | 4.9 | pts | $ | 787 | 21.6 | pts | $ | 1,064 | 26.6 | pts | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 100 | 2.8 | pts | (14) | (0.4) | pts | 86 | 2.4 | pts | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 377 | 7.7 | pts | $ | 773 | 21.2 | pts | $ | 1,150 | 28.9 | pts | ||||||||
| Variance 2023/2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 284 | 0.6 | pts | $ | 252 | 7.2 | pts | $ | 535 | 7.8 | pts | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | (104) | (3.6) | pts | — | — | pts | (104) | (3.6) | pts | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 180 | (3.0) | pts | $ | 251 | 7.2 | pts | $ | 431 | 4.2 | pts |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
Incurred losses and LAE increased by 46.5% to $3.6 billion in 2024, compared to $2.5 billion in 2023. The increase was mainly due to unfavorable development on prior years attritional losses of $787 million, an increase of $277 million in current year attritional losses and an increase in current year catastrophe losses of $100 million, partially offset by favorable development on prior years catastrophe losses of $14 million. During 2024, prior year U.S. casualty reserves were strengthened by $1.1 billion. The reserve strengthening was driven by a combination of social inflation and portfolio concentrations in certain U.S. casualty lines classes. The increase in current year attritional losses was primarily due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned and strengthening of current accident year U.S. casualty reserves by $206 million.
The current year catastrophe losses of $120 million primarily related to Hurricane Milton ($44 million), Hurricane Helene ($29 million), Hurricane Beryl ($10 million) and the third quarter 2024 Calgary Alberta storms ($9 million), with the remaining losses resulting from various events. The $20 million of current year catastrophe losses in 2023 primarily related to the 2023 third quarter U.S. storms ($5 million), the 2023 Hawaii wildfire ($5 million) and the 2023 December U.S. East Coast flooding ($5 million), with the remaining losses resulting from various storm events.
Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage increased by 7.0% to $439 million in 2024, compared to $410 million in 2023. Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $615 million in 2024, compared to $556 million in 2023. These increases were mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned and increased expenses related to the continued build out of the insurance business, including an expansion of the international insurance platform.
Other.
The Other segment includes the results of our sports and leisure business sold in October 2024, consisting of policies written prior to the sale and polices renewed and certain new business written on the Company’s paper post-sale. It also includes run-off A&E exposures, certain discontinued insurance programs primarily written prior to 2012 and certain
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discontinued insurance and reinsurance coverage classes. The Other segment does not generally sell insurance or reinsurance products but is responsible for the management of existing policies and settlement of related losses.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the Other segment for the periods indicated:
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Gross written premiums | $ | 212 | $ | 289 | $ | 279 | ||||
| Net written premiums | 167 | 225 | 204 | |||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 197 | $ | 225 | $ | 194 | ||||
| Incurred losses and LAE | 580 | 266 | 98 | |||||||
| Commission and brokerage | 24 | 22 | 14 | |||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 33 | 35 | 28 | |||||||
| Underwriting gain (loss) | $ | (440) | $ | (98) | $ | 54 |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
Premiums. Gross written premiums decreased from $289 million in 2023 to $212 million in 2024. Net written premiums decreased from $225 million in 2023 to $167 million in 2024. Gross written premium is primarily coming from the sports and leisure business. Premiums earned decreased from $225 million in 2023 to $197 million in 2024. The decreases in gross written premiums, net written premiums and premiums earned are due to the lines of business included in this segment primarily being in run-off, except for a limited number of renewed and new policies written on the Company's paper by the purchaser of the sports and leisure business sold in October 2024, for a finite period of time post-closing.
Incurred Losses and LAE. Incurred losses and LAE increased to $580 million in 2024, compared to $266 million in 2023. The increase was mainly due to unfavorable development on prior years attritional losses of $293 million. During 2024, the unfavorable development on prior year attritional losses for the Company’s Other segment of $403 million was mainly related to North America casualty lines for accident years 2019 through 2023 that were impacted by social inflation, including A&E reserve strengthening of $54 million resulting in a 3-year net asbestos survival ratio of 7 years.
Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage and other underwriting expenses remained relatively flat year over year.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The following is a summary of the critical accounting estimates related to accounting estimates that (1) require management to make assumptions about highly uncertain matters and (2) could materially impact the consolidated financial statements if management made different assumptions.
Loss and LAE Reserves. Our most critical accounting estimate is the determination of our loss and LAE reserves. We maintain reserves equal to management’s estimated ultimate liability for losses and LAE for reported and unreported claims for our insurance and reinsurance businesses. Because reserves are based on estimates of ultimate losses and LAE by underwriting or accident year, we use a variety of statistical and actuarial techniques to monitor reserve adequacy over time, evaluate new information as it becomes known and adjust reserves whenever an adjustment appears warranted. We consider many factors when setting reserves including: (1) our exposure base and projected ultimate premiums earned; (2) our expected loss ratios by product and class of business, which are developed collaboratively by underwriters and actuaries; (3) actuarial methodologies and assumptions which analyze our loss reporting and payment experience, reports from ceding companies and historical trends, such as reserving patterns, loss payments and product mix; (4) current legal interpretations of coverage and liability; and (5) economic conditions. Management’s best estimate is developed through collaboration with actuarial, underwriting, claims, legal and finance departments and culminates with the input of reserve committees. Each segment reserve committee includes the participation of the relevant parties from actuarial, finance, claims and segment senior management. Reserves are further reviewed by Everest’s Chief Reserving Actuary and senior management. The objective of such process is to determine a single best estimate viewed by management to be the best estimate of its ultimate loss liability. Our insurance and reinsurance loss and LAE reserves represent management’s best estimate of our ultimate liability. Actual losses and LAE ultimately paid may deviate, perhaps substantially, from such reserves. Net income (loss) will be impacted in a period in which the change in estimated ultimate losses and LAE is recorded. See also ITEM 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” - Note 1 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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It is more difficult to accurately estimate loss reserves for reinsurance liabilities than for insurance liabilities. At December 31, 2024, we had reinsurance loss reserves of $19.7 billion, insurance loss reserves of $8.8 billion and other loss reserves of $1.3 billion, of which $260 million were loss reserves for A&E liabilities. A detailed discussion of additional considerations related to A&E exposures follows later in this section.
The detailed data required to evaluate ultimate losses for our insurance business is accumulated from our underwriting and claim systems. Reserving for reinsurance requires evaluation of loss information received from ceding companies. Ceding companies report losses to us in many ways depending on the type of contract and the agreed or contractual reporting requirements. Generally, proportional/quota share contracts require the submission of a monthly/quarterly account, which includes premium and loss activity for the period with corresponding reserves as established by the ceding company. This information is recorded into our records. For certain proportional contracts, we may require a detailed loss report for claims that exceed a certain dollar threshold or relate to a particular type of loss. Excess of loss and facultative contracts generally require individual loss reporting with precautionary notices provided when a loss reaches a significant percentage of the attachment point of the contract or when certain causes of loss or types of injury occur. Our experienced Claims staff handles individual loss reports and supporting claim information. Based on our evaluation of a claim, we may establish additional case reserves in addition to the case reserves reported by the ceding company. To ensure ceding companies are submitting required and accurate data, the Underwriting, Claim, Reinsurance Accounting and Internal Audit departments of the Company perform various reviews of our ceding companies, particularly larger ceding companies, including on-site audits of domestic ceding companies.
We sort our reserves by segment into exposure groupings for actuarial analysis. We assign our business to exposure groupings so that the underlying exposures have reasonably homogeneous loss development characteristics and are large enough to facilitate credible estimation of ultimate losses. We periodically review our exposure groupings, and we may change our groupings over time as our business changes. We currently use approximately 250 exposure groupings to develop our reserve estimates. One of the key selection characteristics for the exposure groupings is the historical duration of the claims settlement process. Business in which claims are reported and settled relatively quickly are commonly referred to as short tail lines, principally property lines. Casualty claims tend to take longer to be reported and settled and casualty lines are generally referred to as long tail lines. Our estimates of ultimate losses for shorter tail lines, with the exception of loss estimates for large catastrophic events, generally exhibit less uncertainty than those for the longer tail lines.
We use a variety of actuarial methodologies, such as expected loss ratio, chain ladder reserving methods and Bornhuetter-Ferguson, supplemented by judgment where appropriate, to estimate our ultimate losses and LAE for each exposure group. Although we use similar actuarial methodologies for both short tail and long tail lines, the faster reporting of experience for the short tail lines allows us to have greater confidence in our estimates of ultimate losses at an earlier stage than for long tail lines. For immature underwriting or accident years, the initial expected loss ratios are key inputs that involve management judgment and are based on a variety of factors, including: (1) expected loss ratios developed during our pricing process; (2) historical loss ratios adjusted for rate change and trend; and (3) industry benchmarks for similar business. These judgments take into account our view of past, current and future factors that may influence ultimate losses, including: (1) market conditions; (2) changes in the business underwritten; (3) changes in timing of the emergence of claims; and (4) other factors. The determination of when reported losses are sufficient and credible to warrant selection of an ultimate loss ratio different from the initial expected loss ratio also requires judgment.
Our carried reserves at each reporting date are management’s best estimate of ultimate unpaid losses and LAE at that date. We complete detailed reserve studies for each exposure group annually for our reinsurance and insurance operations. The completed annual reserve studies are “rolled forward” for each accounting period until the subsequent reserve study is completed. Analyzing the roll-forward process involves comparing actual reported losses to expected losses based on the most recent reserve study. The Company analyzes significant variances between actual and expected losses and also considers recent market, underwriting and management criteria to determine management’s best estimate of ultimate unpaid losses and LAE.
Certain reserves, including losses from widespread catastrophic events and COVID-19 related losses, cannot be estimated using traditional actuarial method. Rather, loss and LAE reserves are estimated by completing an in-depth analysis of the individual contracts which may potentially be impacted by the loss. The analysis uses inputs from various sources and methodology, to build up a comprehensive perspective. Such analysis generally involves: 1) estimating the size of insured industry losses; 2) reviewing portfolios to identify contracts which are exposed; 3) reviewing information reported or otherwise provided by customers and brokers; 4) discussing the loss with customers and brokers; and 5) estimating the ultimate expected cost to settle all claims and administrative costs arising from the loss on a contract-by-contract basis
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and in aggregate for the event. Due to the inherent uniqueness or specific nature of a catastrophic event, each event has its own unique assessment, and different weights may be applied to various inputs based on our judgment. Once a loss has occurred, during the then current reporting period, we record our best estimate of the ultimate expected cost to settle all claims arising from the loss. Our estimate of loss and LAE reserves is then determined by deducting cumulative paid losses from its estimate of the ultimate expected loss. Our estimate of incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) is determined by deducting cumulative paid losses, case reserves and additional case reserves from its estimate of the ultimate expected loss.
Because catastrophe losses are typically due to prominent, public events such as hurricanes and earthquakes, we are often able to use independent reports as part of our loss reserve estimation process. We also review catastrophe bulletins published by various statistical modeling agencies to assist in determining the size of the industry loss, although these reports may not be available for some time after an event. For smaller events including localized severe weather events such as windstorms, hail, ice, snow, flooding, freezing and tornadoes, which are not necessarily prominent, public occurrences, we initially place greater reliance on catastrophe bulletins published by statistical modeling agencies to assist in determining what events occurred during the reporting period than we do for large events. This includes reviewing catastrophe bulletins published by Property Claim Services for U.S. catastrophes. We set our initial estimates of reserves for loss and LAE for these smaller events based on a combination of its historical market share for these types of losses and the estimate of the total insured industry property losses as reported by statistical modeling agencies, although we may make significant adjustments based on our current exposure to the geographic region involved as well as the size of the loss and the peril involved.
In general, reserves for more recent large losses are subject to greater uncertainty and, therefore, greater potential variability, and are likely to experience material changes from one period to the next. This is due to the uncertainty as to the size of the industry losses, uncertainty as to which contracts have been exposed, uncertainty due to complex legal and coverage issues that can arise out of large or complex losses, and uncertainty as to the magnitude of claims incurred by our customers. As our losses age, more information becomes available, and we believe our estimates become more certain.
Given the inherent variability in our loss reserves, we have developed an estimated range of possible gross reserve levels. A table of ranges by segment, accompanied by commentary on potential and historical variability, is included in “Financial Condition - Loss and LAE Reserves”. The ranges are developed using the exposure groups used in the published global loss triangles. For each exposure group, our actuaries calculate a range of possible ultimate losses for each accident year. These ranges are calculated by applying a variety of different acceptable actuarial methods, and varying the parameter selections within a reasonable set of possibilities. Our estimates of our reserve variability may not be comparable to those of other companies because there are no consistently applied actuarial or accounting standards governing such presentations. Our recorded reserves reflect our best point estimate of our liabilities, and our actuarial methodologies focus on developing such point estimates. We calculate the ranges subsequently, based on the historical variability of such reserves.
A&E Exposures. We continue to receive claims under expired insurance and reinsurance contracts asserting injuries and/or damages relating to or resulting from environmental pollution and hazardous substances, including asbestos. Environmental claims typically assert liability for (a) the mitigation or remediation of environmental contamination or (b) bodily injury or property damage caused by the release of hazardous substances into the land, air or water. Asbestos claims typically assert liability for bodily injury from exposure to asbestos or for property damage resulting from asbestos or products containing asbestos. The results of run-off A&E exposures are included within the Company’s Other segment.
Our reserves include an estimate of our ultimate liability for A&E claims. There are significant uncertainties surrounding our estimates of our potential losses from A&E claims. Among the uncertainties are: (a) potentially long waiting periods between exposure and manifestation of any bodily injury or property damage; (b) difficulty in identifying sources of asbestos or environmental contamination; (c) difficulty in properly allocating responsibility and/or liability for asbestos or environmental damage; (d) changes in underlying laws and judicial interpretation of those laws; (e) the potential for an asbestos or environmental claim to involve many insurance providers over many policy periods; (f) questions concerning interpretation and application of insurance and reinsurance coverage; and (g) uncertainty regarding the number and identity of insureds with potential asbestos or environmental exposure.
Due to the uncertainties discussed above, the ultimate losses attributable to A&E, and particularly asbestos, may be subject to more variability than are non-A&E reserves and such variation could have a material adverse effect on our
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financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows. See also ITEM 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” - Notes 1 and 4 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Reinsurance Recoverables. We have purchased reinsurance to reduce our exposure to adverse claim experience, large claims and catastrophic loss occurrences. Our ceded reinsurance provides for recovery from reinsurers of a portion of losses and loss expenses under certain circumstances. Such reinsurance does not relieve us of our obligation to our policyholders. In the event our reinsurers are unable to meet their obligations under these agreements or are able to successfully challenge losses ceded by us under the contracts, we will not be able to realize the full value of the reinsurance recoverable balance. In some cases, we may hold full or partial collateral for the receivable, including letters of credit, trust assets and cash. Additionally, creditworthy foreign reinsurers of business written in the U.S., as well as capital markets’ reinsurance mechanisms, are generally required to secure their obligations. We have established reserves for uncollectible balances based on our assessment of the collectability of the outstanding balances. The allowance for uncollectible reinsurance reflects management’s best estimate of reinsurance cessions that may be uncollectible in the future due to reinsurers’ unwillingness or inability to pay. The allowance for uncollectible reinsurance comprises an allowance and an allowance for disputed balances. Based on this analysis, the Company may adjust the allowance for uncollectible reinsurance or charge off reinsurer balances that are determined to be uncollectible.
Due to the inherent uncertainties as to collection and the length of time before reinsurance recoverable become due, it is possible that future adjustments to the Company’s reinsurance recoverable, net of the allowance, could be required, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or cash flows in a particular quarter or annual period.
The allowance is estimated as the amount of reinsurance recoverable exposed to loss multiplied by estimated factors for the probability of default. The reinsurance recoverable exposed is the amount of reinsurance recoverable net of collateral and other offsets, considering the nature of the collateral, potential future changes in collateral values, and historical loss information for the type of collateral obtained. The probability of default factors are historical insurer and reinsurer defaults for liabilities with similar durations to the reinsured liabilities as estimated through multiple economic cycles. Credit ratings are forward-looking and consider a variety of economic outcomes. The Company's evaluation of the required allowance for reinsurance recoverable considers the current economic environment as well as macroeconomic scenarios.
The Company records credit loss expenses related to reinsurance recoverable in incurred losses and LAE in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Write-offs of reinsurance recoverable and any related allowance are recorded in the period in which the balance is deemed uncollectible.
Premiums Written and Earned. Premiums written by us are earned ratably over the coverage periods of the related insurance and reinsurance contracts. We establish unearned premium reserves to cover the unexpired portion of each contract. Such reserves, for assumed reinsurance, are computed using pro rata methods based on statistical data received from ceding companies. Premiums earned, and the related costs, which have not yet been reported to us, are estimated and accrued. Premiums written are based on contract and policy terms and include estimates based on information received from both insureds and ceding companies. Differences between such estimates and actual amounts are recorded in the period in which the estimates are changed, or the actual amounts are determined. These earned but not reported premiums are combined with reported earned premiums to comprise our total premiums earned for determination of our incurred losses and loss and LAE reserves. Commission expense and incurred losses related to the change in earned but not reported premium are included in current period company and segment financial results. See also ITEM 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” - Note 1 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The following table displays the estimated components of net earned but not reported premiums by segment for the periods indicated:
| At December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Reinsurance | $ | 3,278 | $ | 2,610 | $ | 2,255 | ||||
| Insurance | — | — | — | |||||||
| Other | — | — | — | |||||||
| Total | $ | 3,278 | $ | 2,610 | $ | 2,255 |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
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Investment Valuation. Our fixed income securities are classified for accounting purposes as either available for sale or held to maturity. The available for sale fixed maturity securities are carried at fair value and the held to maturity fixed maturity portfolio is carried at amortized cost, net of current expected credit allowance on our consolidated balance sheets. Our equity securities are all carried at fair value. Some of our CMBS are valued using cash flow models and risk-adjusted discount rates. We hold privately placed securities, less than 10% of the portfolio, which are either valued by investment advisors or the Company. In some instances, values provided by an investment advisor are supported with opinions from qualified independent third parties. The Company has procedures in place to review the values received from its investment advisors. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, our investment portfolio included a total of $5.1 billion and $4.5 billion of limited partnership investments, whose values are reported pursuant to the equity method of accounting, and corporate-owned life insurance (“COLI”) policies, whose values are reported at cash surrender value. We carry the limited partnership investments at values provided by the managements of the limited partnerships and due to inherent reporting lags, the carrying values are based on values with “as of” dates from generally one month to one quarter prior to our financial statement date.
At December 31, 2024, we had net unrealized losses on our available for sale fixed maturity securities, net of tax, of $849 million, compared to net unrealized losses on our available for sale fixed maturity securities, net of tax, of $723 million at December 31, 2023. Gains (losses) from fair value fluctuations on available for sale fixed maturity securities are reflected as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated balance sheets. Fair value declines for the available for sale fixed income portfolio, which are considered credit related, are reflected in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), as realized losses on investments. We consider many factors when determining whether a fair value decline is credit related, including: (1) we have no intent to sell and, more likely than not, will not be required to sell prior to recovery, (2) the credit strength of the issuer, (3) the issuer’s market sector, (4) the length of time to maturity and (5) for asset-backed securities, changes in prepayments, credit enhancements and underlying default rates. If management’s assessments change in the future, we may ultimately record a realized loss after management originally concluded that the decline in value was not attributed to credit related factors.
Fixed maturity securities designated as held to maturity consist of debt securities for which the Company has both the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity or redemption and are reported at amortized cost, net of the current expected credit loss allowance. Interest income for fixed maturity securities held to maturity is determined in the same manner as interest income for fixed maturity securities available for sale. The Company evaluates fixed maturity securities classified as held to maturity for current expected credit losses utilizing risk characteristics of each security, including credit rating, remaining time to maturity, adjusted for prepayment considerations, and subordination level, and applying default and recovery rates, which include the incorporation of historical credit loss experience and macroeconomic forecasts, to develop an estimate of current expected credit losses.
Tax. On December 27, 2023, the Government of Bermuda enacted the Corporate Income Tax Act 2023 (“The 2023 Act”), which will apply a 15% corporate income tax to certain Bermuda businesses in fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2025. The 2023 Act includes a provision referred to as “The Economic Transition Adjustment” (the “ETA”), which is intended to provide a fair and equitable transition into the new tax regime, and results in a deferred tax benefit for the Company. However, on January 15, 2025, the OECD issued Guidance related to “deferred tax assets arising from tax benefits provided by General Government” whereby it has restricted the utilization of those deferred tax benefits against the computation of its Pillar Two Global Minimum Taxes to approximately 20% of the originally calculated amounts and only for a grace period of two years through 2026. If the Bermuda Ministry of Finance amends The 2023 Act in response to this Guidance, the exact impact of any such amendments is uncertain but there is a risk that it results in a reduction in the Company's Deferred Tax Assets.
The net deferred tax assets principally relate to the identifiable intangible assets. We estimated the fair value of the identifiable intangible assets using discounted future cash flow models. The significant assumptions utilized in the discounted future cash flow models include the forecasted revenues and expected profits to be generated by the identifiable intangible assets and discount rates.
See also ITEM 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” - Note 1 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
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FINANCIAL CONDITION
Investments. Total investments were $40.0 billion at December 31, 2024, an increase of $4.3 billion compared to $35.7 billion at December 31, 2023. The rise in investments was primarily related to an increase in fixed maturities - available for sale due to an overall net purchase of $1.5 billion of fixed maturities - available for sale in 2024.
The Company’s limited partnership investments are comprised of limited partnerships that invest in private equity, private credit and private real estate. Generally, the limited partnerships are reported on a month or quarter lag. We receive annual audited financial statements for all of the limited partnerships which are primarily prepared using fair value accounting in accordance with GAAP guidance. For the quarterly reports, the Company reviews the financial reports for any unusual changes in carrying value. If the Company becomes aware of a significant decline in value during the lag reporting period, the loss will be recorded in the period in which the Company identifies the decline.
The table below summarizes the composition and characteristics of our investment portfolio as of the dates indicated:
| At December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| Fixed income portfolio duration (years) | 3.1 | 3.3 | |
| Fixed income composite credit quality | AA- | AA- |
Reinsurance Recoverables. Reinsurance recoverables for both paid and unpaid losses totaled $3.1 billion at December 31, 2024 and $2.3 billion at December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2024, $395 million, or 12.6%, was recoverable from Mt. Logan Re, Ltd. (“Mt. Logan Re”) collateralized segregated accounts; $316 million, or 10.1%, was recoverable from Munich Reinsurance America, Inc. and $187 million, or 6.0%, was recoverable from Endurance Assurance Corporation of America. No other retrocessionaire accounted for more than 5% of our recoverables.
Loss and LAE Reserves. Gross loss and LAE reserves totaled $29.9 billion and $24.6 billion at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
The following tables summarize gross outstanding loss and LAE reserves by segment, classified by case reserves and IBNR reserves, for the periods indicated:
| At December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | Case Reserves | IBNR Reserves | Total Reserves | % of Total | ||||||||||
| Reinsurance | $ | 6,591 | $ | 13,117 | $ | 19,708 | 65.9 | % | ||||||
| Insurance | 2,289 | 6,552 | 8,841 | 29.6 | % | |||||||||
| Other (1) | 389 | 950 | 1,340 | 4.5 | % | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 9,270 | $ | 20,619 | $ | 29,889 | 100.0 | % |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
(1) Reserves for A&E exposures are included within Other. At December 31, 2024, A&E Case and IBNR reserves totaled $149 million and $111 million, respectively.
| At December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | Case Reserves | IBNR Reserves | Total Reserves | % of Total | ||||||||||
| Reinsurance | $ | 6,295 | $ | 11,032 | $ | 17,327 | 70.4 | % | ||||||
| Insurance | 1,847 | 4,491 | 6,338 | 25.8 | % | |||||||||
| Other (1) | 399 | 540 | 939 | 3.8 | % | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 8,541 | $ | 16,063 | $ | 24,604 | 100.0 | % |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
(1) Reserves for A&E exposures are included within Other. At December 31, 2023, A&E Case and IBNR reserves totaled $159 million and $88 million, respectively.
Changes in premiums earned and business mix, reserve refinement, catastrophe losses and changes in catastrophe loss reserves and claim settlement activity all impact loss and LAE reserves by segment and in total.
Our carried loss and LAE reserves represent management’s best estimate of our ultimate liability for unpaid claims. We continuously re-evaluate our reserves, including re-estimates of prior period reserves, taking into consideration all available information and, in particular, newly reported loss and claim experience. Changes in reserves resulting from
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such re-evaluations are reflected in incurred losses in the period when the re-evaluation is made. Our analytical methods and processes operate at multiple levels including individual contracts, groupings of like contracts, classes and lines of business, internal business units, segments, accident years, legal entities and in the aggregate. In order to set appropriate reserves, we make qualitative and quantitative analyses and judgments at these various levels. We utilize actuarial science, business expertise and management judgment in a manner intended to ensure the accuracy and consistency of our reserving practices. Management’s best estimate is developed through collaboration with actuarial, underwriting, claims, legal and finance departments and culminates with the input of reserve committees. Each segment reserve committee includes the participation of the relevant parties from actuarial, finance, claims and segment senior management. Reserves are further reviewed by Everest’s Chief Reserving Actuary and senior management. The objective of such process is to determine a single best estimate viewed by management to be the best estimate of its ultimate loss liability. Nevertheless, our reserves are estimates, which are subject to variation, which may be significant.
There can be no assurance that reserves for, and losses from, claim obligations will not increase in the future, possibly by a material amount. However, we believe that our existing reserves and reserving methodologies lessen the probability that any such increase would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
We have included ranges for loss reserve estimates determined by our actuaries, which have been developed through a combination of objective and subjective criteria. Our presentation of this information may not be directly comparable to similar presentations of other companies as there are no consistently applied actuarial or accounting standards governing such presentations. Our recorded reserves are an aggregation of our best point estimates for approximately 200 reserve groups and reflect our best point estimate of our liabilities. Our actuarial methodologies develop point estimates rather than ranges and the ranges are developed subsequently based upon historical and prospective variability measures.
The following table below represents the reserve levels and ranges for each of our business segments for the period indicated:
| Outstanding Reserves and Ranges By Segment (1) | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | As Reported | Low Range % | Low Range | High Range % | High Range | |||||||||||
| Gross Reserves By Segment | ||||||||||||||||
| Reinsurance | $ | 19,708 | (7.7) | % | $ | 18,191 | 5.6 | % | $ | 20,817 | ||||||
| Insurance | 8,841 | (14.2) | % | 7,583 | 7.3 | % | 9,488 | |||||||||
| Other (excluding A&E) | 1,080 | (26.8) | % | 790 | 5.3 | % | 1,137 | |||||||||
| Total Gross Reserves (excluding A&E) | 29,630 | (10.3) | % | 26,565 | 6.1 | % | 31,443 | |||||||||
| A&E (Other Segment) | 260 | (21.6) | % | 204 | 21.6 | % | 316 | |||||||||
| Total Gross Reserves | $ | 29,889 | (10.4) | % | 26,768 | 6.3 | % | 31,759 |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
(1) There can be no assurance that reserves will not ultimately exceed the indicated ranges requiring additional income (loss) statement expense.
The size of the range is dependent upon the level of confidence associated with the reserve estimates. Within each range, management’s best estimate of loss reserves is based upon the point estimate derived by our actuaries in detailed reserve studies. Such ranges are necessarily subjective due to the lack of generally accepted actuarial standards with respect to their development. There can be no assurance that our claim obligations will not vary outside of these ranges.
Additional losses, including those relating to latent injuries, and other exposures, which are as yet unrecognized, the type or magnitude of which cannot be foreseen by us or the reinsurance and insurance industry generally, may emerge in the future. Such future emergence, to the extent not covered by existing retrocessional contracts, could have material adverse effects on our future financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
A&E Exposures. A&E exposures represent a separate exposure group for monitoring and evaluating reserve adequacy. The results of run-off A&E exposures are included within the Company’s Other segment.
With respect to asbestos only, at December 31, 2024, we had net asbestos loss reserves of $216 million, or 89.0%, of total net A&E reserves, all of which was for assumed business. At December 31, 2024, we had gross asbestos loss reserves of $233 million, or 89.6% of total gross A&E reserves, all of which was for assumed business.
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See Note 4 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of A&E Exposures.
Ultimate loss projections for A&E liabilities cannot be accomplished using standard actuarial techniques. We believe that our A&E reserves represent management’s best estimate of the ultimate liability; however, there can be no assurance that ultimate loss payments will not exceed such reserves, perhaps by a significant amount.
Industry analysts use the “survival ratio” to compare the A&E reserves among companies with such liabilities. The survival ratio is typically calculated by dividing a company’s current net reserves by the three-year average of annual paid losses. Hence, the survival ratio equals the number of years that it would take to exhaust the current reserves if future loss payments were to continue at historical levels. Using this measurement, our net three-year asbestos survival ratio was 6.6 years at December 31, 2024. These metrics can be skewed by individual large settlements occurring in the prior three years and therefore, may not be indicative of the timing of future payments.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Capital. Shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was $13.9 billion and $13.2 billion, respectively. Management’s objective in managing capital is to ensure that the Company’s overall capital level, as well as the capital levels of its operating subsidiaries, exceed the amounts required by regulators, the amount needed to support our current financial strength ratings from rating agencies and our own economic capital models. The Company’s capital has historically exceeded these benchmark levels.
Our two main operating companies, Bermuda Re and Everest Re, are regulated by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (the “BMA”) and the State of Delaware’s Department of Insurance, respectively. Both regulatory bodies have their own capital adequacy models based on statutory capital as opposed to GAAP basis equity. Bermuda Re is subject to the Bermuda Solvency Capital Requirement (“BSCR”) administered by the BMA and Everest Re is subject to the RBC developed by the U.S. National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”). Failure to meet the required statutory capital levels could result in various regulatory restrictions, including restrictions on business activity and the payment of dividends to their parent companies.
The regulatory targeted capital and the actual statutory capital for Bermuda Re and Everest Re were as follows:
| Bermuda Re (1)At December 31, | Everest Re (2)At December 31, | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2024 ⁽³⁾ | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||
| Regulatory targeted capital | $ | — | $ | 2,669 | $ | 4,799 | $ | 4,242 | ||||||
| Actual capital | $ | 4,323 | $ | 3,711 | $ | 8,126 | $ | 6,963 |
(1)Regulatory targeted capital represents the target capital level from the applicable year's BSCR calculation.
(2)Regulatory targeted capital represents 200% of the RBC authorized control level calculation for the applicable year.
(3)The 2024 BSCR calculation is not yet due to be completed; however, the Company anticipates that Bermuda Re's December 31, 2024 actual capital will exceed the targeted capital level. In accordance with guidance issued by the BMA in 2025, Bermuda Re has reflected the impacts of the ETA recognized in response to The 2023 Act in its 2024 regulatory targeted capital and actual capital.
Our financial strength ratings, as determined by A.M. Best Company (“A.M. Best”), Moody’s and S&P, are important, as they provide our customers and investors with an independent assessment of our financial strength using a rating scale that provides for relative comparisons. We continue to possess significant financial flexibility and access to debt and equity markets as a result of our financial strength, as evidenced by the financial strength ratings assigned by independent rating agencies. See also ITEM 1, Business - “Financial Strength Ratings”.
We maintain our own economic capital models to monitor and project our overall capital, as well as the capital at our operating subsidiaries. A key input to the economic models is projected income, and this input is continually compared to actual results, which may require a change in the capital strategy.
In 2024, we repurchased 536,469 of our common shares at a cost of $200 million in the open market and paid $334 million in common share dividends to adjust our capital position and enhance long-term expected returns to our shareholders. During 2023, we repurchased no shares in the open market and paid $288 million in dividends. We may at times enter into a Rule 10b5-1 repurchase plan agreement to facilitate the repurchase of shares. On November 7, 2024, our existing Board authorization to purchase up to 32 million of our shares was increased by 10 million shares to authorize the purchase of up to 42 million shares. As of December 31, 2024, we had repurchased 31.3 million shares under this authorization. During the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly
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common stock dividend of $2.00 per share. The common stock dividend was paid on December 13, 2024 for holders of record as of November 27, 2024.
On May 19, 2023, the Company completed the public offering of 4,140,000 common shares, which included full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase an additional 540,000 common shares, at a public offering price of $360.00 per share. Total net proceeds from the public offering were $1,445 million, after underwriting discount and expenses. The Company’s intent was to use the net proceeds from this offering for long-term reinsurance opportunity and continued build out of the global insurance business.
Liquidity. Our liquidity requirements are generally met from positive cash flow from operations. Positive cash flow results from reinsurance and insurance premiums being collected prior to disbursements for claims, with disbursements generally taking place over an extended period after the collection of premiums, sometimes a period of many years. Collected premiums are generally invested, prior to their use in such disbursements, and investment income provides additional funding for loss payments. Our net cash flows from operating activities were $5.0 billion and $4.6 billion for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Additionally, these cash flows reflected net catastrophe loss payments of $693 million and $858 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and net tax payments of $397 million and $196 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
If disbursements for losses and LAE, policy acquisition costs and other operating expenses were to exceed premium inflows, cash flow from reinsurance and insurance operations would be negative. The effect on cash flow from operations would be partially offset by cash flow from investment income. Additionally, cash inflows from investment maturities of both short-term investments and longer-term maturities are available to supplement other operating cash flows. We do not expect to supplement negative operations cash flows with investment dispositions.
As the timing of payments for losses and LAE cannot be predicted with certainty, we maintain portfolios of long-term invested assets with varying maturities, along with short-term investments that provide additional liquidity for payment of claims. At December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we held cash and short-term investments of $6.3 billion and $3.6 billion, respectively. Our short-term investments are generally readily marketable and can be converted to cash. In addition to these cash and short-term investments, we had $1.1 billion of fixed maturity securities - available for sale maturing within one year or less, $8.5 billion maturing within one to five years and $6.2 billion maturing after five years at December 31, 2024. We believe that these fixed maturity securities, in conjunction with the short-term investments and positive cash flow from operations, provide ample sources of liquidity for the expected payment of losses and LAE in the near future. We do not anticipate selling a significant amount of securities to pay losses and LAE. At December 31, 2024, we had $990 million of net pre-tax unrealized depreciation related to fixed maturity - available for sale securities, comprised of $1.2 billion of pre-tax unrealized depreciation and $167 million of pre-tax unrealized appreciation.
Management generally expects annual positive cash flow from operations. However, given catastrophic events observed in recent periods, cash flow from operations may decline and could become negative in the near term as significant claim payments are made related to the catastrophes. However, as indicated above, the Company has access to ample liquidity to settle its catastrophe claims and also may receive payments under the catastrophe bond program and the Mt. Logan Re collateralized reinsurance arrangement.
In addition to our cash flows from operations and liquid investments, Everest Re is a member of the FHLBNY, which allows Everest Re to borrow up to 10% of its statutory admitted assets. As of December 31, 2024, Everest Re had statutory admitted assets of approximately $30.8 billion which provides borrowing capacity of up to approximately $3.1 billion. As of December 31, 2024, Everest Re had $1.0 billion of borrowings outstanding, which begin to expire in 2025. See Note 7 - Credit Facilities to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part IV, Item 15 of this Form 10-K for further details.
Exposure to Catastrophes. Like other insurance and reinsurance companies, we are exposed to multiple insured losses arising out of a single occurrence, whether a natural event, such as a hurricane or an earthquake, or other catastrophe, such as an explosion at a major factory. A large catastrophic event can be expected to generate insured losses to multiple reinsurance treaties, facultative certificates and direct insurance policies across various lines of business.
We focus on potential losses that could result from any single event, or series of events as part of our evaluation and monitoring of our aggregate exposures to catastrophic events. Accordingly, we employ various techniques to estimate the amount of loss we could sustain from any single catastrophic event or series of events in various geographic areas. These techniques range from deterministic approaches, such as tracking aggregate limits exposed in catastrophe-prone
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zones and applying reasonable damage factors, to modeled approaches that attempt to scientifically measure catastrophe loss exposure using sophisticated Monte Carlo simulation techniques that forecast frequency and severity of potential losses on a probabilistic basis.
No single computer model or group of models is currently capable of projecting the amount and probability of loss in all global geographic regions in which we conduct business. In addition, the form, quality and granularity of underwriting exposure data furnished by (re)insureds is not uniformly compatible with the data requirements for our licensed models, which adds to the inherent imprecision in the potential loss projections. Further, the results from multiple models and analytical methods must be combined to estimate potential losses by and across business units. Also, while most models have been updated to incorporate claims information from recent catastrophic events, catastrophe model projections are still inherently imprecise. In addition, uncertainties with respect to future climatic patterns and cycles could add further uncertainty to loss projections from models based on historical data.
Nevertheless, when combined with traditional risk management techniques and sound underwriting judgment, catastrophe models are a useful tool for underwriters to price catastrophe exposed risks and for providing management with quantitative analyses with which to monitor and manage catastrophic risk exposures by zone and across zones for individual and multiple events.
Projected catastrophe losses are generally summarized in terms of the probable maximum loss (“PML”). We define PML as our anticipated loss, taking into account contract terms and limits, caused by a single catastrophe affecting a broad contiguous geographic area, such as that caused by a hurricane or earthquake. The PML will vary depending upon the modeled simulated losses and the make-up of the in-force book of business. The projected severity levels are described in terms of “return periods”, such as “100-year events” and “250-year events”. For example, a 100-year PML is the estimated loss to the current in-force portfolio from a single event which has a 1% probability of being exceeded in a twelve-month period. In other words, it corresponds to a 99% probability that the loss from a single event will fall below the indicated PML. It is important to note that PMLs are estimates. Modeled events are hypothetical events produced by a stochastic model. As a result, there can be no assurance that any actual event will align with the modeled event or that actual losses from events similar to the modeled events will not vary materially from the modeled event PML.
From an enterprise risk management perspective, management sets limits on the levels of catastrophe loss exposure we may underwrite. The limits are revised periodically based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to our financial resources and expected earnings and risk/reward analyses of the business being underwritten.
Economic loss is the PML exposure, net of third-party reinsurance including catastrophe industry loss warranty cover, reduced by estimated reinstatement premiums to renew coverage and estimated income taxes. The impact of income taxes on the PML depends on the distribution of the losses by corporate entity, which is also affected by inter-affiliate reinsurance. Management also monitors and controls its largest PMLs at multiple points along the loss distribution curve, such as loss amounts at the 20, 50, 100, 250 and 500-year return periods. This process enables management to identify and control exposure accumulations and to integrate such exposures into enterprise risk, underwriting and capital management decisions.
Our catastrophe loss projections, segmented by risk zones, are updated quarterly and reviewed as part of a formal risk management review process. Each segment and business unit manages its underwriting risk in accordance with established guidelines. These guidelines place dollar limits on the amount of business that can be written based on a variety of factors, including (re)insured company profile, line of business, geographic location and risk hazards. In each case, the guidelines permit limited exceptions, which must be authorized by the Company’s senior management. Management regularly reviews and revises these guidelines in response to changes in business unit product offerings, market conditions, risk versus reward analyses and our enterprise and underwriting risk management processes.
Our operating results and financial condition can be adversely affected by catastrophe and other large losses. We manage our exposure to catastrophes and other large losses by:
•selective underwriting practices;
•diversifying our risk portfolio by geographic area and by types and classes of business;
•limiting our aggregate catastrophe loss exposure in any particular geographic zone and contiguous zones;
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•purchasing reinsurance and/or retrocessional protection to the extent that such coverage can be secured cost-effectively. See “Reinsurance and Retrocession Arrangements”.
We believe that our methods of monitoring, analyzing and managing catastrophe exposures provide a credible risk management framework, which is integrated with our enterprise risk management, underwriting and capital management plans. However, there is much uncertainty and imprecision inherent in the catastrophe models and the catastrophe loss estimation process generally. As a result, there can be no assurance that we will not experience losses from individual events that exceed the PML or other return period projections, perhaps by a material amount. Nor can there be assurance that we will not experience events impacting multiple zones, or multiple severe events that could, in the aggregate, exceed our PML expectations by a significant amount.
The table below reflects our PML exposure, net of third-party reinsurance including catastrophe industry loss warranty cover, at various return periods for our top zones/perils (as ranked by the largest 1 in 100-year economic loss) based on loss projection data as of January 1, 2025:
| Return Periods (in years) | 1 in 20 | 1 in 50 | 1 in 100 | 1 in 250 | 1 in 500 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exceeding Probability | 5.0% | 2.0% | 1.0% | 0.4% | 0.2% | |||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Zone | Peril | |||||||||||||||||||
| Southeast U.S. | Wind | $ | 920 | $ | 1,509 | $ | 2,174 | $ | 2,661 | $ | 2,873 | |||||||||
| California | Earthquake | 227 | 1,038 | 1,791 | 2,535 | 2,829 | ||||||||||||||
| Texas | Wind | 205 | 508 | 921 | 1,717 | 2,432 |
The projected net economic losses, defined as PML exposures, net of third-party reinsurance including catastrophe industry loss warranty cover, reinstatement premiums and estimated income taxes, for the top zones/perils scheduled above are as follows:
| Return Periods (in years) | 1 in 20 | 1 in 50 | 1 in 100 | 1 in 250 | 1 in 500 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exceeding Probability | 5.0% | 2.0% | 1.0% | 0.4% | 0.2% | |||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Zone | Peril | |||||||||||||||||||
| Southeast U.S. | Wind | $ | 640 | $ | 1,029 | $ | 1,523 | $ | 1,866 | $ | 2,049 | |||||||||
| California | Earthquake | 176 | 742 | 1,322 | 1,842 | 2,073 | ||||||||||||||
| Texas | Wind | 153 | 375 | 665 | 1,219 | 1,740 |
We believe that our greatest worldwide 1 in 100-year exposure to a single catastrophic event is to a wind event affecting the Southeast U.S., where we estimate we have a PML exposure, net of third party reinsurance including catastrophe industry loss warranty cover, of $2.2 billion which represents approximately 11.0% of its December 31, 2024 shareholders’ equity.
If such a single catastrophe loss were to occur, management estimates that the net economic loss to us would be approximately $1.5 billion. The estimate involves multiple variables, including which Everest entity would experience the loss, and as a result there can be no assurance that this amount would not be exceeded.
We may purchase reinsurance to cover specific business written or the potential accumulation or aggregation of exposures across some or all of our operations. Reinsurance purchasing decisions consider both the potential coverage and market conditions including the pricing, terms, conditions, availability and collectability of coverage, with the aim of securing cost-effective protection from financially secure counterparts. The amount of reinsurance purchased has varied over time, reflecting our view of our exposures and the cost of reinsurance. In recent years, we have increased our use of reinsurance offered through capital market facilities.
We participate in “common account” retrocessional arrangements for certain reinsurance treaties whereby a ceding company purchases reinsurance for the benefit of itself and its reinsurers under one or more of its reinsurance treaties.
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Common account retrocessional arrangements reduce the effect of individual or aggregate losses to all participating companies, including the ceding company, with respect to the involved treaties.
Information Technology. Everest’s information technology is a key component of its business operations. Information technology systems and services are hosted at public and private cloud service providers across multiple data centers with processing performed at the office locations of our operating subsidiaries and branches. We have implemented security procedures, and regularly assess and enhance our security protocols, to ensure that our key business systems are protected, secured and backed up at off-site locations so that they can be restored promptly if necessary. We have business continuity plans and disaster recovery plans along with periodic testing of those plans to ensure we are capable of providing uninterrupted technology services in the event of major systems outages with alternative secure data centers available in case of broader outages.
Our business operations depend on the proper functioning and availability of our information technology platform, which includes data processing and related electronic communications. We communicate electronically internally and externally with our brokers, program managers, clients, third-party vendors, regulators and others. These communications and the data we handle may include personal, confidential or proprietary information. We ensure that all our systems, data and electronic transmissions are appropriately protected with the latest technology safeguards and meet regulatory standards.
Despite these safeguards, a significant cyber incident, including system failure, security breach and disruption by malware or other damage could interrupt or delay our operations and possibly our results. This type of incident may result in a violation of applicable data security, privacy, or other laws, damage our reputation, cause a loss of customers or give rise to regulatory scrutiny as well as monetary fines and other penalties. Management is not aware of a cybersecurity incident that has had a material impact on our operations. See also ITEM 1C, “Cybersecurity”.
Expected Cash Outflows. The following table shows our significant expected cash outflows for the period indicated.
| Payments due by period | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | Total | Less than 1 year | 1-3 years | 3-5 years | More than 5 years | |||||||||||||
| Senior notes | $ | 2,400 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 2,400 | ||||||||
| Long term notes | 219 | — | — | — | 219 | |||||||||||||
| Federal Home Loan Bank of New York | 1,019 | 719 | 300 | — | — | |||||||||||||
| Interest expense (1) | 2,833 | 101 | 203 | 203 | 2,325 | |||||||||||||
| Operating lease agreements | 152 | 21 | 37 | 27 | 67 | |||||||||||||
| Gross reserve for losses and LAE (2) | 29,889 | 3,486 | 8,951 | 7,764 | 9,689 | |||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 36,512 | $ | 4,327 | $ | 9,491 | $ | 7,994 | $ | 14,700 |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
(1)Interest expense on long-term notes is calculated at the variable floating rate of 7.17%, as of December 31, 2024.
(2)Loss and LAE reserves represent management’s best estimate of losses from claim and related settlement costs. Both the amounts and timing of such payments are estimates, and the inherent variability of resolving claims as well as changes in market conditions make the timing of cash flows uncertain. Therefore, the ultimate amount and timing of loss and LAE payments could differ from our estimates.
The cash outflows for senior notes and long-term notes are the responsibility of Holdings. We strive to ensure that we have sufficient cash flow, liquidity, investments and access to capital markets to satisfy these obligations. Holdings generally depends upon dividends from Everest Re, its operating insurance subsidiary for its funding, capital contributions from Group or access to the capital markets. Our various operating insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries have sufficient cash flow, liquidity and investments to settle outstanding reserves for losses and LAE. Management believes that we, and each of our entities, have sufficient financial resources or ready access thereto, to meet all obligations.
Dividends.
During 2024 and 2023, we declared and paid common shareholder dividends of $334 million and $288 million, respectively. As an insurance holding company, we are partially dependent on dividends and other permitted payments from our subsidiaries to pay cash dividends to our shareholders. The payment of dividends to Group by Holdings Ireland and Everest Dublin Holdings is subject to Irish corporate and regulatory restrictions; the payment of dividends to Holdings Ireland by Holdings and to Holdings by Everest Re is subject to Delaware regulatory restrictions; and the payment of dividends to Group by Bermuda Re, Everest International, Everest Preferred International Holdings (“Preferred
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Holdings”), Everest Re Advisors Ltd. (“Advisors Re”) or Mt. Logan Re is subject to Bermuda insurance regulatory restrictions. Management expects that, absent extraordinary catastrophe losses, such restrictions should not affect Everest Re’s ability to declare and pay dividends sufficient to support Holdings’ general corporate needs and that Holdings Ireland, Everest Dublin Holdings, Bermuda Re and Everest International will have the ability to declare and pay dividends sufficient to support Group’s general corporate needs. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, Everest Re paid no cash dividends to Holdings. For the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, Bermuda Re paid cash dividends to Group of $750 million and $235 million, respectively; Everest International paid cash dividends to Group of $100 million and $0 million, respectively; Preferred Holdings paid cash dividends to Group of $46 million and $48 million, respectively; Advisors Re paid cash dividends to Group of $74 million and $67 million, respectively; and Mt. Logan Re paid cash dividends to Group of $0 million and $15 million, respectively. See ITEM 1, “Business - Regulatory Matters - Dividends” and ITEM 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” - Note 17 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Market Sensitive Instruments.
SEC Registrants are required to clarify and expand upon the existing financial statement disclosure requirements for derivative financial instruments, derivative commodity instruments and other financial instruments (collectively, “Market Sensitive Instruments”). We do not generally enter into Market Sensitive Instruments for trading purposes.
Our current investment strategy seeks to maximize after-tax income through a high quality, diversified, fixed maturity portfolio, while maintaining an adequate level of liquidity. Our mix of investments is adjusted periodically, consistent with our current and projected operating results and market conditions. The fixed maturity securities in the investment portfolio are comprised of available for sale and held to maturity securities. Additionally, we have invested in equity securities.
The overall investment strategy considers the scope of present and anticipated Company operations. In particular, estimates of the financial impact resulting from non-investment asset and liability transactions, together with our capital structure and other factors, are used to develop a net liability analysis. This analysis includes estimated payout characteristics for which our investments provide liquidity. This analysis is considered in the development of specific investment strategies for asset allocation, duration and credit quality. The change in overall market sensitive risk exposure principally reflects the asset changes that took place during the period.
Our $41.5 billion investment portfolio at December 31, 2024, is principally comprised of fixed maturity securities, which are generally subject to interest rate risk and some foreign currency exchange rate risk, and some equity securities, which are subject to price fluctuations and some foreign exchange rate risk. The overall economic impact of the foreign exchange risks on the investment portfolio is partially mitigated by changes in the dollar value of foreign currency denominated liabilities and their associated income statement impact.
Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk is the potential change in value of the fixed maturity securities portfolio from a change in market interest rates. In a declining interest rate environment, interest rate risk includes prepayment risk on the $7.1 billion of mortgage-backed securities in the $29.7 billion fixed maturity portfolio. Prepayment risk results from potential accelerated principal payments that shorten the average life and thus the expected yield of the security.
The tables below display the potential impact of fair value fluctuations and after-tax unrealized appreciation on our fixed maturity portfolio (including $4.7 billion of short-term investments) for the period indicated based on upward and downward parallel and immediate 100 and 200 basis point shifts in interest rates. For legal entities with a U.S. dollar functional currency, this modeling was performed on each security individually. To generate appropriate price estimates on mortgage-backed securities, changes in prepayment expectations under different interest rate environments were taken into account. For legal entities with a non-U.S. dollar functional currency, the effective duration of the involved portfolio of securities was used as a proxy for the fair value change under the various interest rate change scenarios.
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| Impact of Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points At December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -200 | -100 | 0 | 100 | 200 | ||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total Fair Value | $ | 36,514 | $ | 35,443 | $ | 34,372 | $ | 33,302 | $ | 32,231 | ||||||||
| Fair Value Change from Base (%) | 6.2 | % | 3.1 | % | — | % | (3.1) | % | (6.2) | % | ||||||||
| Change in Unrealized Appreciation | ||||||||||||||||||
| After-tax from Base ($) | $ | 1,834 | $ | 917 | $ | — | $ | (917) | $ | (1,834) |
| Impact of Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points At December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -200 | -100 | 0 | 100 | 200 | ||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total Fair Value | $ | 32,813 | $ | 31,768 | $ | 30,722 | $ | 29,677 | $ | 28,631 | ||||||||
| Fair Value Change from Base (%) | 6.8 | % | 3.4 | % | — | % | (3.4) | % | (6.8) | % | ||||||||
| Change in Unrealized Appreciation | ||||||||||||||||||
| After-tax from Base ($) | $ | 1,811 | $ | 905 | $ | — | $ | (905) | $ | (1,811) |
We had $29.9 billion and $24.6 billion of gross reserves for losses and LAE as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. These amounts are recorded at their nominal value, as opposed to present value, which would reflect a discount adjustment to reflect the time value of money. Since losses are paid out over a period of time, the present value of the reserves is less than the nominal value. As interest rates rise, the present value of the reserves decreases and, conversely, as interest rates decline, the present value increases. These movements are similar to the interest rate impacts on the fair value of investments held. While the difference between present value and nominal value is not reflected in our financial statements, our financial results will include investment income over time from the investment portfolio until the claims are paid. Our loss and loss reserve obligations have an expected duration of approximately 4.0 years, which is reasonably consistent with our fixed income portfolio. If we were to discount our loss and LAE reserves, net of ceded reserves, the discount would be approximately $4.9 billion resulting in a discounted reserve balance of approximately $22.1 billion, representing approximately 64.4% of the value of the fixed maturity investment portfolio funds.
Foreign Currency Risk. Foreign currency risk is the potential change in value, income and cash flow arising from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Each of our non-U.S./Bermuda operations maintains capital in the currency of the country of its geographic location consistent with local regulatory guidelines. Each non-U.S. operation may conduct business in its local currency, as well as the currency of other countries in which it operates. The primary foreign currency exposures for these non-U.S. operations are the Canadian Dollar, the Singapore Dollar, the British Pound Sterling and the Euro. We mitigate foreign exchange exposure by generally matching the currency and duration of our assets to our corresponding operating liabilities. In accordance with GAAP guidance, the impact on the fair value of available for sale fixed maturities due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, in relation to functional currency, is reflected as part of other comprehensive income. Conversely, the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, in relation to functional currency, on other assets and liabilities is reflected through net income as a component of other income (expense). In addition, we translate the assets, liabilities and income of non-U.S. dollar functional currency legal entities to the U.S. dollar. This translation amount is reported as a component of other comprehensive income.
The tables below display the potential impact of a parallel and immediate 10% and 20% increase and decrease in foreign exchange rates on the valuation of invested assets subject to foreign currency exposure for the periods indicated. This analysis includes the after-tax impact of translation from transactional currency to functional currency as well as the after-tax impact of translation from functional currency to the U.S. dollar reporting currency.
| Change in Foreign Exchange Rates in Percent At December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | -20% | -10% | 0% | 10% | 20% | |||||||||||||
| Total After-tax Foreign Exchange Exposure | $ | (1,426) | $ | (713) | $ | — | $ | 713 | $ | 1,426 |
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| Change in Foreign Exchange Rates in Percent At December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | -20% | -10% | 0% | 10% | 20% | |||||||||||||
| Total After-tax Foreign Exchange Exposure | $ | (1,022) | $ | (511) | $ | — | $ | 511 | $ | 1,022 |
FY 2023 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001095073-24-000009.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION
The following is a discussion and analysis of our results of operations and financial condition for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes, under ITEM 8 of this Form 10-K. Pursuant to the FAST Act Modernization and Simplification of Regulation S-K, comparisons between 2022 and 2021 have been omitted from this Form 10-K but can be found in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Part II, Item 7 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
All comparisons in this discussion are to the corresponding prior year unless otherwise indicated.
Industry Conditions.
The worldwide insurance and reinsurance businesses are highly competitive, as well as cyclical by product and market. As a result, financial results tend to fluctuate with periods of constrained availability, higher rates and stronger profits followed by periods of abundant capacity, lower rates and constrained profitability. Competition in the types of insurance and reinsurance business that we underwrite is based on many factors, including the perceived overall financial strength of the reinsurer or insurer, ratings of the reinsurer or insurer by A.M. Best and/or Standard & Poor’s, underwriting expertise, the jurisdictions where the reinsurer or insurer is licensed or otherwise authorized, capacity and coverages offered, premiums charged, other terms and conditions of the insurance and reinsurance business offered, services offered, speed of claims payment and reputation and experience in lines written. Furthermore, the market impact from these competitive factors related to insurance and reinsurance is generally not consistent across lines of business, domestic and international geographical areas and distribution channels.
Financial instruments such as side cars, catastrophe bonds and collateralized reinsurance funds, provided capital markets with access to insurance and reinsurance risk exposure. The capital markets demand for these products is primarily driven by the desire to achieve greater risk diversification and potentially higher returns on their investments. This competition generally has a negative impact on rates, terms and conditions; however, the impact varies widely by market and coverage. Based on recent competitive behaviors in the insurance and reinsurance industry, natural catastrophe events and the macroeconomic backdrop, there has been dislocation in the market which has had a positive impact on rates and terms and conditions, generally, though specifics in local markets can vary.
Specifically, recent market conditions in property, particularly catastrophe excess of loss, have resulted in rate increases. As a result of the rate increases, most of the lines within property have been affected. Other casualty lines have been experiencing modest rate increases, while some lines such as workers’ compensation and directors and officers liability have been experiencing softer market conditions. The impact on pricing conditions is likely to change depending on the line of business and geography.
Our capital position remains a source of strength, with high quality invested assets, significant liquidity and a low operating expense ratio. Our diversified global platform with its broad mix of products, distribution and geography is resilient.
The recent emergence of the Middle East war and the ongoing war in the Ukraine are evolving events. Economic and legal sanctions have been levied against Russia, specific named individuals and entities connected to the Russian government, as well as businesses located in the Russian Federation and/or owned by Russian nationals in numerous countries, including the United States. The significant political and economic uncertainty surrounding these wars and associated sanctions have impacted economic and investment markets both within Russia, Ukraine, the Middle East region, and around the world.
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Financial Summary.
We monitor and evaluate our overall performance based upon financial results. The following table displays a summary of the consolidated net income (loss), ratios and shareholders’ equity for the periods indicated:
| Years Ended December 31, | Percentage Increase/(Decrease) | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2023/2022 | 2022/2021 | ||||||||||||
| Gross written premiums | $ | 16,637 | $ | 13,952 | $ | 13,050 | 19.2 | % | 6.9 | % | |||||||
| Net written premiums | 14,730 | 12,344 | 11,446 | 19.3 | % | 7.9 | % | ||||||||||
| REVENUES: | |||||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 13,443 | $ | 11,787 | $ | 10,406 | 14.0 | % | 13.3 | % | |||||||
| Net investment income | 1,434 | 830 | 1,165 | 72.7 | % | (28.8) | % | ||||||||||
| Net gains (losses) on investments | (276) | (455) | 258 | (39.3) | % | NM | |||||||||||
| Other income (expense) | (14) | (102) | 37 | (86.3) | % | NM | |||||||||||
| Total revenues | 14,587 | 12,060 | 11,866 | 20.9 | % | 1.6 | % | ||||||||||
| CLAIMS AND EXPENSES: | |||||||||||||||||
| Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses | 8,427 | 8,100 | 7,391 | 4.0 | % | 9.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees | 2,952 | 2,528 | 2,209 | 16.7 | % | 14.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 846 | 682 | 583 | 24.1 | % | 17.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Corporate expenses | 73 | 61 | 68 | 19.9 | % | (10.1) | % | ||||||||||
| Interest, fees and bond issue cost amortization expense | 134 | 101 | 70 | 33.2 | % | 43.9 | % | ||||||||||
| Total claims and expenses | 12,432 | 11,472 | 10,321 | 8.4 | % | 11.2 | % | ||||||||||
| INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES | 2,154 | 588 | 1,546 | NM | (62.0) | % | |||||||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | (363) | (9) | 167 | NM | NM | ||||||||||||
| NET INCOME (LOSS) | $ | 2,517 | $ | 597 | $ | 1,379 | NM | (56.7) | % | ||||||||
| RATIOS: | Point Change | ||||||||||||||||
| Loss ratio | 62.7 | % | 68.7 | % | 71.0 | % | (6.0) | (2.3) | |||||||||
| Commission and brokerage ratio | 22.0 | % | 21.4 | % | 21.2 | % | 0.6 | 0.2 | |||||||||
| Other underwriting expense ratio | 6.3 | % | 5.8 | % | 5.6 | % | 0.5 | 0.2 | |||||||||
| Combined ratio | 90.9 | % | 96.0 | % | 97.8 | % | (5.1) | (1.8) |
| At December 31, | Percentage Increase/(Decrease) | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2023/2022 | 2022/2021 | ||||||||||||
| Balance sheet data: | |||||||||||||||||
| Total investments and cash | $ | 37,142 | $ | 29,872 | $ | 29,673 | 24.3 | % | 0.7 | % | |||||||
| Total assets | 49,399 | 39,966 | 38,185 | 23.6 | % | 4.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves | 24,604 | 22,065 | 19,009 | 11.5 | % | 16.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Total debt | 3,385 | 3,084 | 3,089 | 9.8 | % | (0.2) | % | ||||||||||
| Total liabilities | 36,197 | 31,525 | 28,046 | 14.8 | % | 12.4 | % | ||||||||||
| Shareholders' equity | 13,202 | 8,441 | 10,139 | 56.4 | % | (16.8) | % | ||||||||||
| Book value per share | 304.29 | 215.54 | 258.21 | 41.2 | % | (16.5) | % |
(NM - not meaningful)
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
Revenues.
Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 19.2% to $16.6 billion in 2023, compared to $14.0 billion in 2022, reflecting a $2.2 billion, or 23.9% increase in our reinsurance business and a $473 million, or 10.0%, increase in our insurance business. The increase in reinsurance premiums reflects growth across all lines of business, particularly property pro rata, and property excess of loss business. The increase in insurance premiums reflects growth across multiple lines of business, particularly specialty casualty business, property/short tail business and other specialty business, driven by positive rate and exposure increases, new business and strong renewal retention. Net written premiums increased by 19.3% to $14.7 billion in 2023, compared to $12.3 billion in 2022. Premiums earned increased by 14.0% to $13.4 billion in 2023, compared to $11.8 billion in 2022, which is consistent with the percentage changes in gross written premiums. The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums was primarily the result of
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timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are generally recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.
Other Income (Expense). We recorded other expense of $14 million and other expense of $102 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. The change was primarily the result of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We recognized foreign currency exchange expense of $24 million in 2023, partially offset by $8 million of income from Everest Group’s share of investment in the Mt. Logan segregated cells. We recognized foreign currency exchange expense of $103 million in 2022.
Claims and Expenses.
Incurred Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses. The following table presents our incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) for the periods indicated:
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | Current Year | Ratio %/ Pt Change | Prior Years | Ratio %/ Pt Change | Total Incurred | Ratio %/ Pt Change | ||||||||||||||
| 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 7,963 | 59.2 | % | $ | (5) | — | % | $ | 7,958 | 59.2 | % | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 470 | 3.5 | % | — | — | % | 470 | 3.5 | % | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 8,432 | 62.7 | % | $ | (5) | — | % | $ | 8,427 | 62.7 | % | ||||||||
| 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 7,047 | 59.8 | % | $ | (2) | — | % | $ | 7,045 | 59.8 | % | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 1,055 | 9.0 | % | — | — | % | 1,055 | 9.0 | % | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 8,102 | 68.8 | % | $ | (2) | — | % | $ | 8,100 | 68.7 | % | ||||||||
| 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 6,265 | 60.2 | % | $ | (9) | (0.1) | % | $ | 6,256 | 60.1 | % | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 1,135 | 10.9 | % | — | — | % | 1,135 | 10.9 | % | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 7,400 | 71.1 | % | $ | (9) | (0.1) | % | $ | 7,391 | 71.0 | % | ||||||||
| Variance 2023/2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 916 | (0.5) | pts | $ | (3) | — | pts | $ | 912 | (0.6) | pts | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | (585) | (5.5) | pts | — | — | pts | (585) | (5.5) | pts | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 331 | (6.0) | pts | $ | (3) | — | pts | $ | 327 | (6.0) | pts | ||||||||
| Variance 2022/2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 782 | (0.4) | pts | $ | 7 | 0.1 | pts | $ | 789 | (0.3) | pts | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | (80) | (1.9) | pts | — | — | pts | (80) | (1.9) | pts | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 702 | (2.3) | pts | $ | 7 | 0.1 | pts | $ | 709 | (2.2) | pts |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
Incurred losses and LAE increased by 4.0% to $8.4 billion in 2023, compared to $8.1 billion in 2022, primarily due to an increase of $916 million in current year attritional losses, partially offset by a decrease of $585 million in current year catastrophe losses. The increase in current year attritional losses was mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned and changes in the mix of business. The current year catastrophe losses of $470 million in 2023 related primarily to the 2023 Turkey earthquakes ($103 million), Hurricane Otis ($100 million), the 2023 Italy convective storm ($57 million), the 2023 New Zealand storms ($45 million), the 2023 Morocco earthquake ($40 million), the 2023 Hawaii wildfire ($32 million), and Hurricane Idalia ($23 million), with the remaining losses resulting from various storm events. The $1.1 billion of current year catastrophe losses in 2022 related primarily to Hurricane Ian ($699 million), the 2022 Australia floods ($88 million), the 2022 Western Europe hailstorms ($69 million), the 2022 South Africa flood ($50 million), the 2022 and the Western Europe Convective Storm ($35 million), with the remaining losses resulting from various storm events.
Catastrophe losses and loss expenses typically have a material effect on our incurred losses and loss adjustment expense results and can vary significantly from period to period. Losses from natural catastrophes contributed 3.5 percentage points to the combined ratio in 2023, compared with 9.0 percentage points in 2022. The Company has up to $350 million of catastrophe bond protection (“CAT Bond”) that attaches at a $48.1 billion Property Claims Services (“PCS”) Industry
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loss threshold. This recovery would be recognized on a pro-rata basis up to a $63.8 billion PCS Industry loss level. As a result of Hurricane Ian, PCS’s current industry estimate of $48.2 billion issued in February 2024 exceeds the attachment point. The potential recovery under the CAT Bond is not expected to be material. As a result, no portion of the potential CAT bond recovery has been included in the Company’s current financial results.
Commission, Brokerage, Taxes and Fees. Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees increased by 16.7% to $3.0 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to $2.5 billion for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned, changes in the mix of business and $94 million of profit commission expense incurred in 2023 related to prior year loss reserves releases recorded within the Reinsurance segment.
Other Underwriting Expenses. Other underwriting expenses were $846 million and $682 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase in other underwriting expenses was mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned as well as the continued build out of our insurance operations, including an expansion of the international insurance platform.
Corporate Expenses. Corporate expenses, which are general operating expenses that are not allocated to segments, were $73 million and $61 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase in 2023 compared to 2022 was mainly due to higher variable incentive compensation.
Interest, Fees and Bond Issue Cost Amortization Expense. Interest, fees and other bond amortization expense was $134 million and $101 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase was primarily due to movements in the floating interest rate related to the long-term subordinated notes, which is reset quarterly per the note agreement. The floating rate was 8.03% as of December 31, 2023 compared to 6.99% as of December 31, 2022.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit). Everest had an income tax benefit of $363 million and income tax benefit of $9 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. An income tax benefit is primarily a function of the geographic location of the Company’s pre-tax income and the statutory tax rates in those jurisdictions. The effective tax rate (“ETR”) is primarily affected by tax-exempt investment income, foreign tax credits and dividends. Variations in the ETR generally result from changes in the relative levels of pre-tax income, including the impact of catastrophe losses and net capital gains (losses), among jurisdictions with different tax rates.
With the assent of the governor on December 27, 2023, the Bermuda Corporate Income Tax Act of 2023 (“The 2023 Act”) became law. Beginning in 2025, a 15% corporate income tax will be applicable to Bermuda businesses that are part of multinational enterprise groups with annual revenue of €750 million or more. Group’s Bermuda entities will be subject to the new corporate income tax. The Company has evaluated The 2023 Act and has recorded $578 million of net deferred income tax benefits in 2023 related to it. The net deferred income tax benefits relate primarily to a default provision in the law which allows for what is called an “Economic Transition Adjustment” (“ETA”). The ETA allows companies to establish deferred tax assets or liabilities related to the revaluation of intangible assets, excluding goodwill, and their other assets and liabilities, based on fair value as of September 30, 2023. The deferred tax assets or liabilities are then amortized in accordance with The 2023 Act.
On August 16, 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”) was enacted. We have evaluated the tax provisions of the IRA, the most significant of which are the corporate alternative minimum tax and the share repurchase excise tax and do not expect the legislation to have a material impact on our results of operations.
Net Income (Loss).
Our net income was $2.5 billion and $597 million in 2023 and 2022, respectively. The change was primarily driven by underwriting income of $1.2 billion and net investment income of $1.4 billion, partially offset by realized loss on investments of $276 million. Additionally, there was an income tax benefit of $363 million primarily driven by the 2023 Act further discussed within Income Tax Expense (Benefit) section above.
Ratios.
Our combined ratio decreased by 5.1 points to 90.9% in 2023, compared to 96.0% in 2022. The loss ratio component decreased by 6.0 points in 2023 over the same period last year mainly due to a decline of $585 million in catastrophe losses. The commission and brokerage ratio components increased to 22.0% in 2023 compared to 21.4% in 2022. The
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increase was mainly due to changes in the mix of business and profit commission expense related to prior year loss reserve releases within the Reinsurance segment. The profit commission increased the 2023 commission ratio by 70 basis points. The other underwriting expense ratio increased to 6.3% in 2023 compared to 5.8% in 2022. The increase was mainly due to higher insurance operations costs.
Shareholders’ Equity.
Shareholders’ equity increased by $4.8 billion to $13.2 billion at December 31, 2023 from $8.4 billion at December 31, 2022, principally as a result of $2.5 billion of net income, $1.4 billion from a public equity offering of shares, $1.0 billion of unrealized appreciation on available for sale fixed maturity portfolio net of tax and $59 million of net foreign currency translation adjustments, partially offset by $288 million of shareholder dividends.
Consolidated Investment Results
Net Investment Income.
Net investment income increased by 72.7% to $1.4 billion in 2023 compared with net investment income of $830 million in 2022. The increase was primarily the result of an additional $523 million of income from fixed maturity and short-term investments and an increase of $47 million in limited partnership income. The limited partnership income primarily reflects changes in their reported net asset values. As such, until these asset values are monetized and the resultant income is distributed, they are subject to future increases or decreases in the asset value, and the results may be volatile.
The following table shows the components of net investment income for the periods indicated:
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Fixed maturities | $ | 1,153 | $ | 742 | $ | 561 | ||||
| Equity securities | 3 | 16 | 17 | |||||||
| Short-term investments and cash | 140 | 28 | 1 | |||||||
| Other invested assets | ||||||||||
| Limited partnerships | 122 | 75 | 565 | |||||||
| Other | 59 | 29 | 63 | |||||||
| Gross investment income before adjustments | 1,477 | 890 | 1,208 | |||||||
| Funds held interest income (expense) | 10 | 2 | 12 | |||||||
| Future policy benefit reserve income (expense) | (1) | — | (1) | |||||||
| Gross investment income | 1,486 | 892 | 1,219 | |||||||
| Investment expenses | 53 | 62 | 54 | |||||||
| Net investment income | $ | 1,434 | $ | 830 | $ | 1,165 |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
The following tables show a comparison of various investment yields for the periods indicated:
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annualized pre-tax yield on average cash and invested assets | 4.1 | % | 2.7 | % | 4.4 | % | ||
| Annualized after-tax yield on average cash and invested assets | 3.6 | % | 2.3 | % | 3.8 | % | ||
| Annualized return on invested assets | 3.3 | % | 1.2 | % | 5.3 | % |
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed income portfolio total return | 6.8 | % | (5.9) | % | 0.5 | % | ||
| Bloomberg's Capital - U.S. aggregate index | 5.5 | % | (13.0) | % | (1.5) | % | ||
| Common equity portfolio total return | 17.6 | % | (18.5) | % | 19.0 | % | ||
| S&P 500 index | 26.3 | % | (18.1) | % | 28.7 | % | ||
| Other invested asset portfolio total return | 4.3 | % | 4.5 | % | 36.5 | % |
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The pre-tax equivalent total return for the bond portfolio was approximately 6.8% and (5.9)%, respectively, in 2023 and 2022. The pre-tax equivalent return adjusts the yield on tax-exempt bonds to the fully taxable equivalent.
Net Gains (Losses) on Investments.
The following table presents the composition of our net gains (losses) on investments for the periods indicated:
| Years Ended December 31, | 2023/2022 | 2022/2021 | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | Variance | Variance | |||||||||||||
| Realized gains (losses) from dispositions: | ||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed maturity securities - available for sale | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gains | $ | 35 | $ | 40 | $ | 72 | $ | (5) | $ | (32) | ||||||||
| Losses | (327) | (127) | (55) | (200) | (72) | |||||||||||||
| Total | (292) | (87) | 17 | (205) | (104) | |||||||||||||
| Equity securities | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gains | 8 | 165 | 42 | (156) | 123 | |||||||||||||
| Losses | — | (53) | (15) | 53 | (38) | |||||||||||||
| Total | 8 | 112 | 28 | (104) | 85 | |||||||||||||
| Other Invested Assets | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gains | — | 18 | 10 | (18) | 8 | |||||||||||||
| Losses | — | (5) | (4) | 5 | (1) | |||||||||||||
| Total | — | 13 | 6 | (13) | 7 | |||||||||||||
| Short Term Investments | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gains | 1 | — | — | 1 | — | |||||||||||||
| Losses | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||
| Total | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||
| Total net realized gains (losses) from dispositions | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gains | 44 | 223 | 124 | (179) | 99 | |||||||||||||
| Losses | (327) | (185) | (74) | (142) | (111) | |||||||||||||
| Total | (283) | 38 | 50 | (322) | (12) | |||||||||||||
| Allowance for credit losses | 7 | (33) | (28) | 40 | (5) | |||||||||||||
| Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments | ||||||||||||||||||
| Fixed maturities | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||
| Equity securities | — | (460) | 236 | 461 | (696) | |||||||||||||
| Total | — | (460) | 236 | 461 | (696) | |||||||||||||
| Total net gains (losses) on investments | $ | (276) | $ | (455) | $ | 258 | $ | 179 | $ | (713) |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
Net gains (losses) on investments in 2023 primarily consist of $283 million of losses due to the disposition of investments, partially offset by a decrease to the allowance for credit losses of $7 million. The realized losses from dispositions of investments mainly related to the execution of a Company strategy to sell lower yielding investments in order to reinvest the proceeds at higher interest rates.
Segment Results.
The Company operates through two operating segments. The Reinsurance operation writes worldwide property and casualty reinsurance and specialty lines of business, on both a treaty and facultative basis, through reinsurance brokers, as well as directly with ceding companies. Business is written in the U.S., Bermuda, and Ireland offices, as well as, through branches in Canada, Singapore, the UK and Switzerland. The Insurance operation writes property and casualty
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insurance directly and through brokers, including for surplus lines, and general agents within the U.S., Bermuda, Canada, Europe, Singapore and South America through its offices in the U.S., Bermuda, Canada, Chile, Singapore, the UK, Ireland, and branches located in the UK, the Netherlands, France, Germany and Spain. The two segments are managed independently, but conform with corporate guidelines with respect to pricing, risk management, control of aggregate catastrophe exposures, capital, investments and support operations.
Our two operating segments each have executive leadership who are responsible for the overall performance of their respective segments and who are directly accountable to our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), the Chief Executive Officer of Everest Group, Ltd., who is ultimately responsible for reviewing the business to assess performance, make operating decisions and allocate resources. We report the results of our operations consistent with the manner in which our CODM reviews the business.
During the fourth quarter of 2023, the Company revised the classification and presentation of certain products related to its accident and health business within the segment groupings. These products have been realigned from within the Reinsurance segment to the Insurance segment to appropriately reflect how the business segments are managed. These changes have been reflected retrospectively.
The Company does not review and evaluate the financial results of its operating segments based upon balance sheet data. Management generally monitors and evaluates the financial performance of these operating segments based upon their underwriting results. Underwriting results include earned premium less losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) incurred, commission and brokerage expenses and other underwriting expenses. The Company measures its underwriting results using ratios, in particular, loss, commission and brokerage and other underwriting expense ratios, which, respectively, divide incurred losses, commissions and brokerage and other underwriting expenses by premiums earned. Management has determined that these measures are appropriate and align with how the business is managed. We continue to evaluate our segments as our business evolves and may further refine our segments and financial performance measures.
The following discusses the underwriting results for each of our segments for the periods indicated.
Reinsurance.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the Reinsurance segment for the periods indicated:
| Years Ended December 31, | 2023/2022 | 2022/2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | Variance | % Change | Variance | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gross written premiums | $ | 11,460 | $ | 9,248 | $ | 9,018 | $ | 2,213 | 23.9 | % | $ | 230 | 2.6 | % | |||||||||||
| Net written premiums | 10,802 | 8,919 | 8,488 | 1,883 | 21.1 | % | 431 | 5.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 9,799 | $ | 8,598 | $ | 7,708 | $ | 1,201 | 14.0 | % | $ | 890 | 11.5 | % | |||||||||||
| Incurred losses and LAE | 5,696 | 5,966 | 5,543 | (270) | (4.5) | % | 423 | 7.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Commission and brokerage | 2,520 | 2,116 | 1,833 | 404 | 19.1 | % | 283 | 15.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 255 | 217 | 198 | 38 | 17.4 | % | 19 | 9.9 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Underwriting gain (loss) | $ | 1,328 | $ | 300 | $ | 135 | $ | 1,029 | NM | $ | 165 | NM | |||||||||||||
| Point Chg | Point Chg | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss ratio | 58.1 | % | 69.4 | % | 71.9 | % | (11.3) | (2.5) | |||||||||||||||||
| Commission and brokerage ratio | 25.7 | % | 24.6 | % | 23.8 | % | 1.1 | 0.8 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other underwriting expense ratio | 2.6 | % | 2.5 | % | 2.6 | % | 0.1 | (0.1) | |||||||||||||||||
| Combined ratio | 86.4 | % | 96.5 | % | 98.3 | % | (10.1) | (1.8) |
(NM, not meaningful)
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 23.9% to $11.5 billion in 2023 from $9.2 billion in 2022. The increase in gross written premiums reflects growth across all lines of business, particularly property pro rata, and property excess of loss business. Net written premiums increased by 21.1% to $10.8 billion in 2023 compared to $8.9 billion in 2022. Premiums earned increased by 14.0% to $9.8 billion in 2023, compared to $8.6 billion in 2022. The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is primarily the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are generally recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.
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During 2023, the Company refined its premium estimation methodology for its risk attaching reinsurance contracts within its Reinsurance Segment to continue to recognize gross written premium over the term of the treaty, albeit over a different pattern than what was previously used. The refined estimate resulted in an increase of gross written premium for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 period and has further aligned the estimation methodology across the reinsurance division globally. This change had no impact on the total written premium to be recognized over the term of the treaty. There was no impact on net earned premium and therefore, no impact on income from continuing operations, net income, or any related per-share amounts.
Incurred Losses and LAE. The following table presents the incurred losses and LAE for the Reinsurance segment for the periods indicated:
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | Current Year | Ratio %/ Pt Change | Prior Years | Ratio %/ Pt Change | Total Incurred | Ratio %/ Pt Change | ||||||||||||||
| 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 5,644 | 57.6 | % | $ | (397) | (4.1) | % | 5,246 | 53.5 | % | |||||||||
| Catastrophes | 449 | 4.6 | % | — | — | % | 449 | 4.6 | % | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 6,093 | 62.2 | % | $ | (397) | (4.1) | % | $ | 5,696 | 58.1 | % | ||||||||
| 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 5,031 | 58.5 | % | $ | 5 | 0.1 | % | $ | 5,036 | 58.6 | % | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 930 | 10.8 | % | — | — | % | 930 | 10.8 | % | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 5,961 | 69.3 | % | $ | 5 | 0.1 | % | $ | 5,966 | 69.4 | % | ||||||||
| 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 4,556 | 59.1 | % | $ | 5 | 0.1 | % | $ | 4,560 | 59.2 | % | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 983 | 12.7 | % | — | — | % | 983 | 12.7 | % | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 5,538 | 71.8 | % | $ | 5 | 0.1 | % | $ | 5,543 | 71.9 | % | ||||||||
| Variance 2023/2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 613 | (0.9) | pts | $ | (402) | (4.1) | pts | $ | 211 | (5.0) | pts | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | (481) | (6.2) | pts | — | — | pts | (481) | (6.2) | pts | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 132 | (7.1) | pts | $ | (402) | (4.1) | pts | $ | (270) | (11.3) | pts | ||||||||
| Variance 2022/2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 475 | (0.6) | pts | $ | — | — | pts | $ | 475 | (0.6) | pts | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | (53) | (1.9) | pts | — | — | pts | (53) | (1.9) | pts | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 423 | (2.5) | pts | $ | — | — | pts | $ | 423 | (2.5) | pts |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
Incurred losses decreased by 4.5% to $5.7 billion in 2023, compared to $6.0 billion in 2022. The decrease was primarily due to $397 million of favorable development on prior year attritional losses in 2023 and a decrease of $481 million in current year catastrophe losses, partially offset by an increase of $613 million in current year attritional losses. The favorable development mainly related to a combination of well seasoned mortgage and short-tail business. The increase in current year attritional losses was mainly related to the impact of the increase in premiums earned. The current year catastrophe losses of $449 million in 2023 related primarily to the 2023 Turkey earthquakes ($103 million), Hurricane Otis ($100 million), the 2023 Italy convective storm ($57 million), the 2023 New Zealand storms ($43 million), the 2023 Morocco earthquake ($40 million), the 2023 Hawaii wildfire ($27 million), and Hurricane Idalia ($23 million), with the remaining losses resulting from various storm events. The $930 million of current year catastrophe losses in 2022 related primarily to Hurricane Ian ($599 million), the 2022 Australia floods ($88 million), the Western Europe hailstorms ($69 million), the 2022 South Africa flood ($50 million), and the 2022 Western Europe Convective storm ($29 million), with the remaining losses resulting from various storm events.
Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage expense increased by 19.1% to $2.5 billion in 2023 compared to $2.1 billion in 2022. The increase was mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned and changes in the mix of business. 2023 commissions include approximately $94 million of profit commission expense related to the release of prior year reserves. Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $255 million in 2023 from $217 million in 2022. The increase was in line with the increase in written premium attributable to the planned expansion of the business.
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Insurance.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the Insurance segment for the periods indicated:
| Years Ended December 31, | 2023/2022 | 2022/2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | Variance | % Change | Variance | % Change | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gross written premiums | $ | 5,177 | $ | 4,704 | $ | 4,032 | $ | 473 | 10.0 | % | $ | 672 | 16.7 | % | |||||||||||
| Net written premiums | 3,929 | 3,426 | 2,958 | 503 | 14.7 | % | 468 | 15.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 3,644 | $ | 3,189 | $ | 2,698 | $ | 455 | 14.3 | % | $ | 491 | 18.2 | % | |||||||||||
| Incurred losses and LAE | 2,732 | 2,134 | 1,848 | 597 | 28.0 | % | 286 | 15.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Commission and brokerage | 432 | 413 | 376 | 19 | 4.6 | % | 37 | 9.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 591 | 464 | 385 | 126 | 27.1 | % | 80 | 20.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Underwriting gain (loss) | $ | (109) | $ | 178 | $ | 89 | $ | (287) | NM | $ | 89 | 99.4 | % | ||||||||||||
| Point Chg | Point Chg | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss ratio | 75.0 | % | 66.9 | % | 68.5 | % | 8.1 | (1.6) | |||||||||||||||||
| Commission and brokerage ratio | 11.8 | % | 12.9 | % | 13.9 | % | (1.1) | (1.0) | |||||||||||||||||
| Other underwriting expense ratio | 16.2 | % | 14.6 | % | 14.3 | % | 1.6 | 0.3 | |||||||||||||||||
| Combined ratio | 103.0 | % | 94.4 | % | 96.7 | % | 8.6 | (2.3) |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 10.0% to $5.2 billion in 2023 compared to $4.7 billion in 2022. The increase in insurance premiums reflects growth across multiple lines of business, particularly specialty casualty, property/short tail business and other specialty business, driven by positive rate and exposure increases, new business and strong renewal retention. Net written premiums increased by 14.7% to $3.9 billion in 2023 compared to $3.4 billion in 2022. The higher percentage increase in net written premiums compared to gross written premiums was mainly due to higher net retention resulting from changes in the mix of business. Premiums earned increased 14.3% to $3.6 billion in 2023 compared to $3.2 billion in 2022. The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is primarily the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are generally recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.
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Incurred Losses and LAE. The following table presents the incurred losses and LAE for the Insurance segment for the periods indicated:
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | Current Year | Ratio %/ Pt Change | Prior Years | Ratio %/ Pt Change | Total Incurred | Ratio %/ Pt Change | ||||||||||||||
| 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 2,319 | 63.6 | % | $ | 392 | 10.8 | % | $ | 2,711 | 74.4 | % | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 20 | 0.6 | % | — | — | % | 20 | 0.6 | % | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 2,339 | 64.2 | % | $ | 392 | 10.8 | % | $ | 2,732 | 75.0 | % | ||||||||
| 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 2,016 | 63.2 | % | $ | (7) | (0.2) | % | $ | 2,009 | 63.0 | % | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 125 | 3.9 | % | — | — | % | 125 | 3.9 | % | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 2,141 | 67.1 | % | $ | (7) | (0.2) | % | $ | 2,134 | 66.9 | % | ||||||||
| 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 1,710 | 63.4 | % | $ | (14) | (0.5) | % | $ | 1,696 | 62.8 | % | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 153 | 5.7 | % | — | — | % | 153 | 5.7 | % | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 1,862 | 69.0 | % | $ | (14) | (0.5) | % | $ | 1,848 | 68.5 | % | ||||||||
| Variance 2023/2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 303 | 0.4 | pts | $ | 399 | 11.0 | pts | $ | 702 | 11.4 | pts | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | (105) | (3.4) | pts | — | — | pts | (105) | (3.4) | pts | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 198 | (2.9) | pts | $ | 399 | 11.0 | pts | $ | 597 | 8.0 | pts | ||||||||
| Variance 2022/2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 306 | (0.2) | pts | $ | 7 | 0.3 | pts | $ | 314 | 0.2 | pts | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | (28) | (1.7) | pts | — | — | pts | (28) | (1.7) | pts | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 279 | (1.9) | pts | $ | 7 | 0.3 | pts | $ | 286 | (1.6) | pts |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
Incurred losses and LAE increased by 28.0% to $2.7 billion in 2023 compared to $2.1 billion in 2022. The increase was mainly due to unfavorable development on prior years attritional losses of $392 million in 2023, mainly related to casualty lines in accident years 2016 through 2019 that were impacted by social inflation and an increase of $303 million in current year attritional losses, partially offset by a decrease in current year catastrophe losses of $105 million. The increase in current year attritional losses was primarily due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned. The current year catastrophe losses of $20 million primarily related to the 2023 third quarter U.S. storms ($5 million), the 2023 Hawaii wildfire ($5 million) and the 2023 December U.S. East Coast flooding ($5 million), with the remaining losses resulting from various storm events. The $125 million of current year catastrophe losses in 2022 primarily related to Hurricane Ian ($99 million), with the remaining losses resulting from various storm events.
Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage increased by 4.6% to $432 million in 2023 compared to $413 million in 2022. Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $591 million in 2023 compared to $464 million in 2022. These increases were mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned and increased expenses related to the continued build out of the insurance business, including an expansion of the international insurance platform.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The following is a summary of the critical accounting estimates related to accounting estimates that (1) require management to make assumptions about highly uncertain matters and (2) could materially impact the consolidated financial statements if management made different assumptions.
Loss and LAE Reserves. Our most critical accounting estimate is the determination of our loss and LAE reserves. We maintain reserves equal to our estimated ultimate liability for losses and LAE for reported and unreported claims for our insurance and reinsurance businesses. Because reserves are based on estimates of ultimate losses and LAE by underwriting or accident year, we use a variety of statistical and actuarial techniques to monitor reserve adequacy over time, evaluate new information as it becomes known and adjust reserves whenever an adjustment appears warranted. We consider many factors when setting reserves including: (1) our exposure base and projected ultimate premiums
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earned; (2) our expected loss ratios by product and class of business, which are developed collaboratively by underwriters and actuaries; (3) actuarial methodologies and assumptions which analyze our loss reporting and payment experience, reports from ceding companies and historical trends, such as reserving patterns, loss payments and product mix; (4) current legal interpretations of coverage and liability; and (5) economic conditions. Our insurance and reinsurance loss and LAE reserves represent management’s best estimate of our ultimate liability. Actual losses and LAE ultimately paid may deviate, perhaps substantially, from such reserves. Our net income (loss) will be impacted in a period in which the change in estimated ultimate losses and LAE is recorded. See also ITEM 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” - Note 1 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
It is more difficult to accurately estimate loss reserves for reinsurance liabilities than for insurance liabilities. At December 31, 2023, we had reinsurance loss reserves of $17.4 billion, of which $246 million were loss reserves for A&E liabilities, and insurance loss reserves of $7.0 billion. A detailed discussion of additional considerations related to A&E exposures follows later in this section.
The detailed data required to evaluate ultimate losses for our insurance business is accumulated from our underwriting and claim systems. Reserving for reinsurance requires evaluation of loss information received from ceding companies. Ceding companies report losses to us in many ways depending on the type of contract and the agreed or contractual reporting requirements. Generally, proportional/quota share contracts require the submission of a monthly/quarterly account, which includes premium and loss activity for the period with corresponding reserves as established by the ceding company. This information is recorded into our records. For certain proportional contracts, we may require a detailed loss report for claims that exceed a certain dollar threshold or relate to a particular type of loss. Excess of loss and facultative contracts generally require individual loss reporting with precautionary notices provided when a loss reaches a significant percentage of the attachment point of the contract or when certain causes of loss or types of injury occur. Our experienced Claims staff handles individual loss reports and supporting claim information. Based on our evaluation of a claim, we may establish additional case reserves (ACRs) in addition to the case reserves reported by the ceding company. To ensure ceding companies are submitting required and accurate data, the Underwriting, Claim, Reinsurance Accounting and Internal Audit departments of the Company perform various reviews of our ceding companies, particularly larger ceding companies, including on-site audits of domestic ceding companies.
We sort both our reinsurance and insurance reserves into exposure groupings for actuarial analysis. We assign our business to exposure groupings so that the underlying exposures have reasonably homogeneous loss development characteristics and are large enough to facilitate credible estimation of ultimate losses. We periodically review our exposure groupings, and we may change our groupings over time as our business changes. We currently use over 200 exposure groupings to develop our reserve estimates. One of the key selection characteristics for the exposure groupings is the historical duration of the claims settlement process. Business in which claims are reported and settled relatively quickly are commonly referred to as short tail lines, principally property lines. Casualty claims tend to take longer to be reported and settled and casualty lines are generally referred to as long tail lines. Our estimates of ultimate losses for shorter tail lines, with the exception of loss estimates for large catastrophic events, generally exhibit less volatility than those for the longer tail lines.
We use similar actuarial methodologies, such as expected loss ratio, chain ladder reserving methods and Bornhuetter-Ferguson, supplemented by judgment where appropriate, to estimate our ultimate losses and LAE for each exposure group. Although we use similar actuarial methodologies for both short tail and long tail lines, the faster reporting of experience for the short tail lines allows us to have greater confidence in our estimates of ultimate losses for short tail lines at an earlier stage than for long tail lines. As a result, we utilize, as well, exposure-based methods to estimate our ultimate losses for longer tail lines, especially for immature accident years. For both short and long tail lines, we supplement these general approaches with analytically based judgments. We cannot estimate losses from widespread catastrophic events, such as hurricanes and earthquakes, using traditional actuarial methods. We estimate losses for these types of events based on information derived from catastrophe models, quantitative and qualitative exposure analyses, reports and communications from ceding companies and development patterns for historically similar events. Due to the inherent uncertainty in estimating such losses, these estimates are subject to variability, which increases with the severity and complexity of the underlying event.
Our key actuarial assumptions contain no explicit provisions for reserve uncertainty, nor do we supplement the actuarially determined reserves for uncertainty.
Our carried reserves at each reporting date are management’s best estimate of ultimate unpaid losses and LAE at that date. We complete detailed reserve studies for each exposure group annually for our reinsurance and insurance
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operations. The completed annual reinsurance reserve studies are “rolled forward” for each accounting period until the subsequent reserve study is completed. Analyzing the roll-forward process involves comparing actual reported losses to expected losses based on the most recent reserve study. We analyze significant variances between actual and expected losses and also consider recent market, underwriting and management criteria to determine management’s best estimate of ultimate unpaid losses and LAE. Management’s best estimate is developed through collaboration with actuarial, underwriting, claims, legal and finance departments and culminates with the input of reserve committees. Each segment reserve committee includes the participation of the relevant parties from actuarial, finance, claims and segment senior management and has the responsibility for recommending and approving management’s best estimate. Reserves are further reviewed by Everest’s Chief Reserving Actuary and senior management. The objective of such process is to determine a single best estimate viewed by management to be the best estimate of its ultimate loss liability. As a result of these additional factors, in some instances the selected reserve level may be higher or lower than the actuarial indicated estimate.
Given the inherent variability in our loss reserves, we have developed an estimated range of possible gross reserve levels. A table of ranges by segment, accompanied by commentary on potential and historical variability, is included in “Financial Condition - Loss and LAE Reserves”. The ranges are developed using the exposure groups used in the published global loss triangles. For each exposure group, our actuaries calculate a range of possible ultimate losses for each accident year. These ranges are calculated by applying a variety of different acceptable actuarial methods, and varying the parameter selections withing a reasonable set of possibilities. Our estimates of our reserve variability may not be comparable to those of other companies because there are no consistently applied actuarial or accounting standards governing such presentations. Our recorded reserves reflect our best point estimate of our liabilities and our actuarial methodologies focus on developing such point estimates. We calculate the ranges subsequently, based on the historical variability of such reserves.
Asbestos and Environmental Exposures. We continue to receive claims under expired insurance and reinsurance contracts asserting injuries and/or damages relating to or resulting from environmental pollution and hazardous substances, including asbestos. Environmental claims typically assert liability for (a) the mitigation or remediation of environmental contamination or (b) bodily injury or property damage caused by the release of hazardous substances into the land, air or water. Asbestos claims typically assert liability for bodily injury from exposure to asbestos or for property damage resulting from asbestos or products containing asbestos.
Our reserves include an estimate of our ultimate liability for A&E claims. There are significant uncertainties surrounding our estimates of our potential losses from A&E claims. Among the uncertainties are: (a) potentially long waiting periods between exposure and manifestation of any bodily injury or property damage; (b) difficulty in identifying sources of asbestos or environmental contamination; (c) difficulty in properly allocating responsibility and/or liability for asbestos or environmental damage; (d) changes in underlying laws and judicial interpretation of those laws; (e) the potential for an asbestos or environmental claim to involve many insurance providers over many policy periods; (f) questions concerning interpretation and application of insurance and reinsurance coverage; and (g) uncertainty regarding the number and identity of insureds with potential asbestos or environmental exposure.
Due to the uncertainties discussed above, the ultimate losses attributable to A&E, and particularly asbestos, may be subject to more variability than are non-A&E reserves and such variation could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows. See also ITEM 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” - Notes 1 and 4 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Reinsurance Recoverables. We have purchased reinsurance to reduce our exposure to adverse claim experience, large claims and catastrophic loss occurrences. Our ceded reinsurance provides for recovery from reinsurers of a portion of losses and loss expenses under certain circumstances. Such reinsurance does not relieve us of our obligation to our policyholders. In the event our reinsurers are unable to meet their obligations under these agreements or are able to successfully challenge losses ceded by us under the contracts, we will not be able to realize the full value of the reinsurance recoverable balance. In some cases, we may hold full or partial collateral for the receivable, including letters of credit, trust assets and cash. Additionally, creditworthy foreign reinsurers of business written in the U.S., as well as capital markets’ reinsurance mechanisms, are generally required to secure their obligations. We have established reserves for uncollectible balances based on our assessment of the collectability of the outstanding balances. The allowance for uncollectible reinsurance reflects management’s best estimate of reinsurance cessions that may be uncollectible in the future due to reinsurers’ unwillingness or inability to pay. The allowance for uncollectible reinsurance comprises an allowance and an allowance for disputed balances. Based on this analysis, the Company may adjust the allowance for uncollectible reinsurance or charge off reinsurer balances that are determined to be uncollectible.
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Due to the inherent uncertainties as to collection and the length of time before reinsurance recoverable become due, it is possible that future adjustments to the Company’s reinsurance recoverable, net of the allowance, could be required, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or cash flows in a particular quarter or annual period.
The allowance is estimated as the amount of reinsurance recoverable exposed to loss multiplied by estimated factors for the probability of default. The reinsurance recoverable exposed is the amount of reinsurance recoverable net of collateral and other offsets, considering the nature of the collateral, potential future changes in collateral values, and historical loss information for the type of collateral obtained. The probability of default factors are historical insurer and reinsurer defaults for liabilities with similar durations to the reinsured liabilities as estimated through multiple economic cycles. Credit ratings are forward-looking and consider a variety of economic outcomes. The Company's evaluation of the required allowance for reinsurance recoverable considers the current economic environment as well as macroeconomic scenarios.
The Company records credit loss expenses related to reinsurance recoverable in Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Write-offs of reinsurance recoverable and any related allowance are recorded in the period in which the balance is deemed uncollectible.
Premiums Written and Earned. Premiums written by us are earned ratably over the coverage periods of the related insurance and reinsurance contracts. We establish unearned premium reserves to cover the unexpired portion of each contract. Such reserves, for assumed reinsurance, are computed using pro rata methods based on statistical data received from ceding companies. Premiums earned, and the related costs, which have not yet been reported to us, are estimated and accrued. Because of the inherent lag in the reporting of written and earned premiums by our ceding companies, we use standard accepted actuarial methodologies to estimate earned but not reported premium at each financial reporting date. These earned but not reported premiums are combined with reported earned premiums to comprise our total premiums earned for determination of our incurred losses and loss and LAE reserves. Commission expense and incurred losses related to the change in earned but not reported premium are included in current period company and segment financial results. See also ITEM 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” - Note 1 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The following table displays the estimated components of net earned but not reported premiums by segment for the periods indicated:
| At December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||
| Reinsurance | $ | 2,610 | $ | 2,255 | $ | 2,055 | ||||
| Insurance | — | — | — | |||||||
| Total | $ | 2,610 | $ | 2,255 | $ | 2,055 |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
Investment Valuation. Our fixed income investments are classified for accounting purposes as either available for sale or held to maturity. The available for sale fixed maturity securities are carried at fair value and the held to maturity fixed maturity portfolio is carried at amortized cost, net of current expected credit allowance on our consolidated balance sheets. Our equity securities are all carried at fair value. Most securities we own are traded on national exchanges where market values are readily available. Some of our CMBS are valued using cash flow models and risk-adjusted discount rates. We hold some privately placed securities, less than 10% of the portfolio, which are either valued by investment advisors or the Company. In some instances, values provided by an investment advisor are supported with opinions from qualified independent third parties. The Company has procedures in place to review the values received from its investment advisors. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, our investment portfolio included a total of $4.5 billion and $3.8 billion of limited partnership investments, whose values are reported pursuant to the equity method of accounting, and Company Owned Life Insurance (“COLI”) policies, whose values are reported at cash surrender value. We carry the limited partnership investments at values provided by the managements of the limited partnerships and due to inherent reporting lags, the carrying values are based on values with “as of” dates from one month to one quarter prior to our financial statement date.
At December 31, 2023, we had net unrealized losses on our available for sale fixed maturity securities, net of tax, of $723 million compared to net unrealized losses on our available for sale fixed maturity securities, net of tax, of $1.7 billion at
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December 31, 2022. Gains (losses) from market fluctuations on available for sale fixed maturity securities at fair value are reflected as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated balance sheets. Market value declines for available for sale fixed income portfolio, which are considered credit related, are reflected in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), as realized capital losses. We consider many factors when determining whether a market value decline is credit related, including: (1) we have no intent to sell and, more likely than not, will not be required to sell prior to recovery, (2) the credit strength of the issuer, (3) the issuer’s market sector, (4) the length of time to maturity and (5) for asset-backed securities, changes in prepayments, credit enhancements and underlying default rates. If management’s assessments change in the future, we may ultimately record a realized loss after management originally concluded that the decline in value was not attributed to credit related factors.
Fixed maturity securities designated as held to maturity consist of debt securities for which the Company has both the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity or redemption and are reported at amortized cost, net of the current expected credit loss allowance. Interest income for fixed maturity securities held to maturity is determined in the same manner as interest income for fixed maturity securities available for sale. The Company evaluates fixed maturity securities classified as held to maturity for current expected credit losses utilizing risk characteristics of each security, including credit rating, remaining time to maturity, adjusted for prepayment considerations, and subordination level, and applying default and recovery rates, which include the incorporation of historical credit loss experience and macroeconomic forecasts, to develop an estimate of current expected credit losses.
Tax. With the assent of the governor on December 27, 2023, the Bermuda Corporate Income Tax Act of 2023 (“The 2023 Act”) became law. Beginning in 2025, a 15% corporate income tax will be applicable to Bermuda businesses that are part of multinational enterprise groups with annual revenue of €750 million or more. Group’s Bermuda entities will be subject to the new corporate income tax. The Company has evaluated The 2023 Act and has recorded $578 million of net deferred income tax benefits in 2023 related to it. The net deferred income tax benefits relate primarily to a default provision in the law which allows for what is called an “Economic Transition Adjustment” (“ETA”). The ETA allows companies to establish deferred tax assets or liabilities related to the revaluation of intangible assets, excluding goodwill, and their other assets and liabilities, based on fair value as of September 30, 2023. The deferred tax assets or liabilities are then amortized in accordance with The 2023 Act.
The net deferred tax assets principally relate to the identifiable intangible assets. We estimated the fair value of the identifiable intangible assets using discounted future cash flow models. The significant assumptions utilized in the discounted future cash flow models include the forecasted revenues and expected profits to be generated by the identifiable intangible assets and discount rates.
See also ITEM 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” - Note 1 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
Investments. Total investments were $35.7 billion at December 31, 2023, an increase of $7.2 billion compared to $28.5 billion at December 31, 2022. The rise in investments was primarily related to an increase in fixed maturity securities, short-term investments and other invested assets. The increases in fixed maturity securities and short-term investments were primarily driven by reinvestment of the Company’s operating cash flow of $4.6 billion in 2023.
The Company’s limited partnership investments are comprised of limited partnerships that invest in private equity, private credit and private real estate. Generally, the limited partnerships are reported on a month or quarter lag. We receive annual audited financial statements for all of the limited partnerships which are mostly prepared using fair value accounting in accordance with US GAAP guidance. For the quarterly reports, the Company reviews the financial reports for any unusual changes in carrying value. If the Company becomes aware of a significant decline in value during the lag reporting period, the loss will be recorded in the period in which the Company identifies the decline.
The table below summarizes the composition and characteristics of our investment portfolio as of the dates indicated:
| At December 31, | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | ||
| Fixed income portfolio duration (years) | 3.3 | 3.1 | |
| Fixed income composite credit quality | AA- | A+ |
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Reinsurance Recoverables. Reinsurance recoverables for both paid and unpaid losses totaled $2.3 billion at December 31, 2023 and $2.2 billion at December 31, 2022. At December 31, 2023, $413 million, or 18.3%, was recoverable from Mt. Logan Re collateralized segregated accounts; $266 million, or 11.8%, was recoverable from Munich Reinsurance America, Inc.; $185 million, or 8.2%, was recoverable from Associated Electric and Gas Insurance Services Limited; $163 million, or 7.2%, was recoverable from Endurance Assurance Corporation of America and $120 million or 5.3% was recoverable from Hannover Rueckversicherung Se. No other retrocessionaire accounted for more than 5% of our recoverables.
Loss and LAE Reserves. Gross loss and LAE reserves totaled $24.6 billion and $22.1 billion at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The following tables summarize gross outstanding loss and LAE reserves by segment, classified by case reserves and IBNR reserves, for the periods indicated:
| At December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | Case Reserves | IBNR Reserves | Total Reserves | % of Total | ||||||||||
| Reinsurance | $ | 6,355 | $ | 11,051 | $ | 17,406 | 70.7 | % | ||||||
| Insurance | 2,027 | 4,924 | 6,952 | 28.3 | % | |||||||||
| Total Excluding A&E | 8,383 | 15,975 | 24,357 | 99.0 | % | |||||||||
| A&E | 159 | 88 | 246 | 1.0 | % | |||||||||
| Total including A&E | $ | 8,541 | $ | 16,063 | $ | 24,604 | 100.0 | % |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
| At December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | Case Reserves | IBNR Reserves | Total Reserves | % of Total | ||||||||||
| Reinsurance | $ | 6,044 | $ | 9,789 | $ | 15,834 | 71.9 | % | ||||||
| Insurance | 1,863 | 4,090 | 5,954 | 26.9 | % | |||||||||
| Total Excluding A&E | 7,908 | 13,880 | 21,787 | 98.7 | % | |||||||||
| A&E | 138 | 140 | 278 | 1.3 | % | |||||||||
| Total including A&E | $ | 8,046 | $ | 14,019 | $ | 22,065 | 100.0 | % |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
Changes in premiums earned and business mix, reserve re-estimations, catastrophe losses and changes in catastrophe loss reserves and claim settlement activity all impact loss and LAE reserves by segment and in total.
Our carried loss and LAE reserves represent management’s best estimate of our ultimate liability for unpaid claims. We continuously re-evaluate our reserves, including re-estimates of prior period reserves, taking into consideration all available information and, in particular, newly reported loss and claim experience. Changes in reserves resulting from such re-evaluations are reflected in incurred losses in the period when the re-evaluation is made. Our analytical methods and processes operate at multiple levels including individual contracts, groupings of like contracts, classes and lines of business, internal business units, segments, accident years, legal entities, and in the aggregate. In order to set appropriate reserves, we make qualitative and quantitative analyses and judgments at these various levels. We utilize actuarial science, business expertise and management judgment in a manner intended to ensure the accuracy and consistency of our reserving practices. Management’s best estimate is developed through collaboration with actuarial, underwriting, claims, legal and finance departments and culminates with the input of reserve committees. Each segment reserve committee includes the participation of the relevant parties from actuarial, finance, claims and segment senior management and has the responsibility for recommending and approving management’s best estimate. Reserves are further reviewed by Everest’s Chief Reserving Actuary and senior management. The objective of such process is to determine a single best estimate viewed by management to be the best estimate of its ultimate loss liability. Nevertheless, our reserves are estimates, which are subject to variation, which may be significant.
There can be no assurance that reserves for, and losses from, claim obligations will not increase in the future, possibly by a material amount. However, we believe that our existing reserves and reserving methodologies lessen the probability that any such increase would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
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We have included ranges for loss reserve estimates determined by our actuaries, which have been developed through a combination of objective and subjective criteria. Our presentation of this information may not be directly comparable to similar presentations of other companies as there are no consistently applied actuarial or accounting standards governing such presentations. Our recorded reserves are an aggregation of our best point estimates for approximately 200 reserve groups and reflect our best point estimate of our liabilities. Our actuarial methodologies develop point estimates rather than ranges and the ranges are developed subsequently based upon historical and prospective variability measures.
The following table below represents the reserve levels and ranges for each of our business segments for the period indicated:
| Outstanding Reserves and Ranges By Segment (1) | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | As Reported | Low Range % | Low Range | High Range % | High Range | |||||||||||
| Gross Reserves By Segment | ||||||||||||||||
| Reinsurance | $ | 17,406 | -9.0 | % | $ | 15,841 | 9.0 | % | $ | 18,971 | ||||||
| Insurance | 6,952 | -13.6 | % | 6,004 | 13.6 | % | 7,899 | |||||||||
| Total Gross Reserves (excluding A&E) | 24,357 | -10.3 | % | 21,845 | 10.3 | % | 26,870 | |||||||||
| A&E (All segments) | 246 | -22.9 | % | 190 | 22.7 | % | 302 | |||||||||
| Total Gross Reserves | $ | 24,604 | -10.4 | % | 22,035 | 10.4 | % | 27,173 |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
(1)There can be no assurance that reserves will not ultimately exceed the indicated ranges requiring additional income (loss) statement expense.
Depending on the specific segment, the range derived for the loss reserves, excluding reserves for A&E exposures, ranges from minus 9.0% to minus 13.6% for the low range and from plus 9.0% to plus 13.6% for the high range. Both the higher and lower ranges are associated with the Insurance segment. The size of the range is dependent upon the level of confidence associated with the reserve estimates. Within each range, management’s best estimate of loss reserves is based upon the point estimate derived by our actuaries in detailed reserve studies. Such ranges are necessarily subjective due to the lack of generally accepted actuarial standards with respect to their development. There can be no assurance that our claim obligations will not vary outside of these ranges.
Additional losses, including those relating to latent injuries, and other exposures, which are as yet unrecognized, the type or magnitude of which cannot be foreseen by us or the reinsurance and insurance industry generally, may emerge in the future. Such future emergence, to the extent not covered by existing retrocessional contracts, could have material adverse effects on our future financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Asbestos and Environmental Exposures. A&E exposures represent a separate exposure group for monitoring and evaluating reserve adequacy.
With respect to asbestos only, at December 31, 2023, we had net asbestos loss reserves of $209 million, or 90.4%, of total net A&E reserves, all of which was for assumed business.
See Note 4 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of Asbestos and Environmental Exposures.
Ultimate loss projections for A&E liabilities cannot be accomplished using standard actuarial techniques. We believe that our A&E reserves represent management’s best estimate of the ultimate liability; however, there can be no assurance that ultimate loss payments will not exceed such reserves, perhaps by a significant amount.
Industry analysts use the “survival ratio” to compare the A&E reserves among companies with such liabilities. The survival ratio is typically calculated by dividing a company’s current net reserves by the three year average of annual paid losses. Hence, the survival ratio equals the number of years that it would take to exhaust the current reserves if future loss payments were to continue at historical levels. Using this measurement, our net three year asbestos survival ratio was 6.5 years at December 31, 2023. These metrics can be skewed by individual large settlements occurring in the prior three years and therefore, may not be indicative of the timing of future payments.
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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Capital. Shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 was $13.2 billion and $8.4 billion, respectively. Management’s objective in managing capital is to ensure its overall capital level, as well as the capital levels of its operating subsidiaries, exceed the amounts required by regulators, the amount needed to support our current financial strength ratings from rating agencies and our own economic capital models. The Company’s capital has historically exceeded these benchmark levels.
Our two main operating companies Bermuda Re and Everest Re are regulated by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (“BMA”) and the State of Delaware, Department of Insurance, respectively. Both regulatory bodies have their own capital adequacy models based on statutory capital as opposed to GAAP basis equity. Bermuda Re is subject to the Bermuda Solvency Capital Requirement (“BSCR”) administered by the BMA and Everest Re is subject to the RBC developed by the The U.S. National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”). Failure to meet the required statutory capital levels could result in various regulatory restrictions, including with respect to business activity and the payment of dividends to their parent companies.
The regulatory targeted capital and the actual statutory capital for Bermuda Re and Everest Re were as follows:
| Bermuda Re (1)At December 31, | Everest Re (2)At December 31, | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2023⁽³⁾ | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||
| Regulatory targeted capital | $ | — | $ | 2,217 | $ | 4,242 | $ | 3,353 | ||||||
| Actual capital | $ | 3,722 | $ | 2,759 | $ | 6,963 | $ | 5,553 |
(1)Regulatory targeted capital represents the target capital level from the applicable year's BSCR calculation.
(2)Regulatory targeted capital represents 200% of the RBC authorized control level calculation for the applicable year.
(3)The 2023 BSCR calculation is not yet due to be completed; however, the Company anticipates that Bermuda Re's December 31, 2023 actual capital will exceed the targeted capital level. In accordance with guidance issued by the BMA in February 2024, Bermuda Re has not reflected the impacts of the Economic Transition Adjustment recognized in response to the Bermuda Corporate Income Tax Act of 2023 (“the 2023 Act”) in its 2023 regulatory targeted capital or actual capital. The BMA expects to complete its assessment before the 2023 Act becomes effective and to issue directives within a timeline that will be compatible with the 2023 Act coming into effect.
Our financial strength ratings as determined by A.M. Best, Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s are important as they provide our customers and investors with an independent assessment of our financial strength using a rating scale that provides for relative comparisons. We continue to possess significant financial flexibility and access to debt and equity markets as a result of our financial strength, as evidenced by the financial strength ratings as assigned by independent rating agencies. See also ITEM 1, Business - “Financial Strength Ratings”.
We maintain our own economic capital models to monitor and project our overall capital as well as the capital at our operating subsidiaries. A key input to the economic models is projected income and this input is continually compared to actual results, which may require a change in the capital strategy.
In 2023, we repurchased no shares in the open market and paid $288 million in dividends. During 2022, we repurchased 241,273 shares for $61 million in the open market and paid $255 million in dividends. We may at times enter into a Rule 10b5-1 repurchase plan agreement to facilitate the repurchase of shares. On May 22, 2020, our existing Board authorization to purchase up to 30 million of our shares was amended to authorize the purchase of up to 32 million shares. As of December 31, 2023, we had repurchased 30.8 million shares under this authorization.
On May 19, 2023, the Company completed the public offering of 4,140,000 common shares, which includes full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase an additional 540,000 common shares, at a public offering price of $360.00 per share. Total net proceeds from the public offering were $1,445 million, after underwriting discount and expenses. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from this offering for long-term reinsurance opportunities and continuing build out of the global insurance business.
We repurchased $6 million of our long-term subordinated notes during the third quarter of 2022 and recognized a gain of $1 million on the repurchase. We may continue, from time to time, to seek to retire portions of our outstanding debt securities through cash repurchases, in open-market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Such repurchases, if any, will be subject to and depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved in any such transactions, individually or in the aggregate, may be material.
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On October 4, 2021, we issued an additional $1.0 billion of 31 year senior notes with an interest coupon rate of 3.125%. These senior notes will mature on October 15, 2052 and will pay interest semi-annually.
Liquidity. Our liquidity requirements are generally met from positive cash flow from operations. Positive cash flow results from reinsurance and insurance premiums being collected prior to disbursements for claims with disbursements generally taking place over an extended period after the collection of premiums, sometimes a period of many years. Collected premiums are generally invested, prior to their use in such disbursements, and investment income provides additional funding for loss payments. Our net cash flows from operating activities were $4.6 billion and $3.7 billion for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Additionally, these cash flows reflected net catastrophe loss payments of $858 million and $677 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively and net tax payments of $196 million and $171 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
If disbursements for losses and LAE, policy acquisition costs and other operating expenses were to exceed premium inflows, cash flow from reinsurance and insurance operations would be negative. The effect on cash flow from insurance operations would be partially offset by cash flow from investment income. Additionally, cash inflows from investment maturities - both short-term investments and longer-term maturities are available to supplement other operating cash flows. We do not expect to supplement negative insurance operations cash flows from investment dispositions.
As the timing of payments for losses and LAE cannot be predicted with certainty, we maintain portfolios of long term invested assets with varying maturities, along with short-term investments that provide additional liquidity for payment of claims. At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, we held cash and short-term investments of $3.6 billion and $2.4 billion, respectively. Our short-term investments are generally readily marketable and can be converted to cash. In addition to these cash and short-term investments, at December 31, 2023, we had $1.3 billion of available for sale fixed maturity securities maturing within one year or less, $6.9 billion maturing within one to five years and $7.9 billion maturing after five years. We believe that these fixed maturity securities, in conjunction with the short-term investments and positive cash flow from operations, provide ample sources of liquidity for the expected payment of losses and LAE in the near future. We do not anticipate selling a significant amount of securities. Sales of securities might result in realized gains or losses. At December 31, 2023 we had $780 million of net pre-tax unrealized depreciation related to fixed maturity - available for sale securities, comprised of $1.1 billion of pre-tax unrealized depreciation and $358 million of pre-tax unrealized appreciation.
Management generally expects annual positive cash flow from operations, which reflects the strength of overall pricing as well as the growth in business written. However, given catastrophic events observed in recent periods, cash flow from operations may decline and could become negative in the near term as significant claim payments are made related to the catastrophes. However, as indicated above, the Company has ample liquidity to settle its catastrophe claims and/or any payments due for its catastrophe bond program.
In addition to our cash flows from operations and liquid investments, we also have multiple active credit facilities that provide commitments of up to $1.7 billion of collateralized standby letters of credit to support business written by our Bermuda operating subsidiaries. In addition, the Company has the ability to request access to an additional $240 million of uncommitted credit facilities, which would require approval from the applicable lender. There is no guarantee the uncommitted capacity will be available to us on a future date. See Note 7 - Credit Facilities for further details.
Exposure to Catastrophes. Like other insurance and reinsurance companies, we are exposed to multiple insured losses arising out of a single occurrence, whether a natural event, such as a hurricane or an earthquake, or other catastrophe, such as an explosion at a major factory. A large catastrophic event can be expected to generate insured losses to multiple reinsurance treaties, facultative certificates and direct insurance policies across various lines of business.
We focus on potential losses that could result from any single event, or series of events as part of our evaluation and monitoring of our aggregate exposures to catastrophic events. Accordingly, we employ various techniques to estimate the amount of loss we could sustain from any single catastrophic event or series of events in various geographic areas. These techniques range from deterministic approaches, such as tracking aggregate limits exposed in catastrophe-prone zones and applying reasonable damage factors, to modeled approaches that attempt to scientifically measure catastrophe loss exposure using sophisticated Monte Carlo simulation techniques that forecast frequency and severity of potential losses on a probabilistic basis.
No single computer model or group of models is currently capable of projecting the amount and probability of loss in all global geographic regions in which we conduct business. In addition, the form, quality and granularity of underwriting
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exposure data furnished by (re)insureds is not uniformly compatible with the data requirements for our licensed models, which adds to the inherent imprecision in the potential loss projections. Further, the results from multiple models and analytical methods must be combined to estimate potential losses by and across business units. Also, while most models have been updated to incorporate claims information from recent catastrophic events, catastrophe model projections are still inherently imprecise. In addition, uncertainties with respect to future climatic patterns and cycles could add further uncertainty to loss projections from models based on historical data.
Nevertheless, when combined with traditional risk management techniques and sound underwriting judgment, catastrophe models are a useful tool for underwriters to price catastrophe exposed risks and for providing management with quantitative analyses with which to monitor and manage catastrophic risk exposures by zone and across zones for individual and multiple events.
Projected catastrophe losses are generally summarized in terms of the probable maximum loss (“PML”). We define PML as our anticipated loss, taking into account contract terms and limits, caused by a single catastrophe affecting a broad contiguous geographic area, such as that caused by a hurricane or earthquake. The PML will vary depending upon the modeled simulated losses and the make-up of the in-force book of business. The projected severity levels are described in terms of “return periods”, such as “100-year events” and “250-year events”. For example, a 100-year PML is the estimated loss to the current in-force portfolio from a single event which has a 1% probability of being exceeded in a twelve month period. In other words, it corresponds to a 99% probability that the loss from a single event will fall below the indicated PML. It is important to note that PMLs are estimates. Modeled events are hypothetical events produced by a stochastic model. As a result, there can be no assurance that any actual event will align with the modeled event or that actual losses from events similar to the modeled events will not vary materially from the modeled event PML.
From an enterprise risk management perspective, management sets limits on the levels of catastrophe loss exposure we may underwrite. The limits are revised periodically based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to our financial resources and expected earnings and risk/reward analyses of the business being underwritten.
Management estimates that the projected net economic loss from its largest 100-year event in a given zone is to an Earthquake event affecting California which represents approximately 7.8% of its December 31, 2023 shareholders’ equity. Economic loss is the PML exposure, net of third party reinsurance including catastrophe industry loss warranty cover, reduced by estimated reinstatement premiums to renew coverage and estimated income taxes. The impact of income taxes on the PML depends on the distribution of the losses by corporate entity, which is also affected by inter-affiliate reinsurance. Management also monitors and controls its largest PMLs at multiple points along the loss distribution curve, such as loss amounts at the 20, 50, 100, 250, and 500 year return periods. This process enables management to identify and control exposure accumulations and to integrate such exposures into enterprise risk, underwriting and capital management decisions.
Our catastrophe loss projections, segmented by risk zones, are updated quarterly and reviewed as part of a formal risk management review process. Each segment and business unit manages its underwriting risk in accordance with established guidelines. These guidelines place dollar limits on the amount of business that can be written based on a variety of factors, including (re)insured company profile, line of business, geographic location and risk hazards. In each case, the guidelines permit limited exceptions, which must be authorized by the Company’s senior management. Management regularly reviews and revises these guidelines in response to changes in business unit product offerings, market conditions, risk versus reward analyses and our enterprise and underwriting risk management processes.
Our operating results and financial condition can be adversely affected by catastrophe and other large losses. We manage our exposure to catastrophes and other large losses by:
•selective underwriting practices;
•diversifying our risk portfolio by geographic area and by types and classes of business;
•limiting our aggregate catastrophe loss exposure in any particular geographic zone and contiguous zones;
•purchasing reinsurance and/or retrocessional protection to the extent that such coverage can be secured cost-effectively. See “Reinsurance and Retrocession Arrangements”.
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We believe that our methods of monitoring, analyzing and managing catastrophe exposures provide a credible risk management framework, which is integrated with our enterprise risk management, underwriting and capital management plans. However, there is much uncertainty and imprecision inherent in the catastrophe models and the catastrophe loss estimation process generally. As a result, there can be no assurance that we will not experience losses from individual events that exceed the PML or other return period projections, perhaps by a material amount. Nor can there be assurance that we will not experience events impacting multiple zones, or multiple severe events that could, in the aggregate, exceed our PML expectations by a significant amount.
The table below reflects our PML exposure, net of third-party reinsurance including catastrophe industry loss warranty cover, at various return periods for our top four zones/perils (as ranked by the largest 1 in 100 year economic loss) based on loss projection data as of January 1, 2024:
| Return Periods (in years) | 1 in 20 | 1 in 50 | 1 in 100 | 1 in 250 | 1 in 500 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exceeding Probability | 5.0% | 2.0% | 1.0% | 0.4% | 0.2% | |||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Zone | Peril | |||||||||||||||||||
| California | Earthquake | $ | 198 | $ | 930 | $ | 1,452 | $ | 2,047 | $ | 2,559 | |||||||||
| Southeast U.S. | Wind | 608 | 965 | 1,363 | 1,877 | 2,050 | ||||||||||||||
| Europe | Wind | 210 | 489 | 716 | 1,056 | 1,213 | ||||||||||||||
| Texas | Wind | 178 | 460 | 746 | 1,297 | 1,816 |
The projected net economic losses, defined as PML exposures, net of third-party reinsurance including catastrophe industry loss warranty cover, reinstatement premiums and estimated income taxes, for the top four zones/perils scheduled above are as follows:
| Return Periods (in years) | 1 in 20 | 1 in 50 | 1 in 100 | 1 in 250 | 1 in 500 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exceeding Probability | 5.0% | 2.0% | 1.0% | 0.4% | 0.2% | |||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Zone | Peril | |||||||||||||||||||
| California | Earthquake | $ | 156 | $ | 660 | $ | 1,031 | $ | 1,447 | $ | 1,853 | |||||||||
| Southeast U.S. | Wind | 419 | 651 | 899 | 1,250 | 1,421 | ||||||||||||||
| Europe | Wind | 169 | 371 | 532 | 779 | 906 | ||||||||||||||
| Texas | Wind | 132 | 334 | 525 | 866 | 1,245 |
We believe that our greatest worldwide 1 in 100 year exposure to a single catastrophic event is to an earthquake event affecting California, where we estimate we have a PML exposure, net of third party reinsurance including catastrophe industry loss warranty cover, of $1.5 billion.
If such a single catastrophe loss were to occur, management estimates that the net economic loss to us would be approximately $1.0 billion. The estimate involves multiple variables, including which Everest entity would experience the loss, and as a result there can be no assurance that this amount would not be exceeded.
We may purchase reinsurance to cover specific business written or the potential accumulation or aggregation of exposures across some or all of our operations. Reinsurance purchasing decisions consider both the potential coverage and market conditions including the pricing, terms, conditions, availability and collectability of coverage, with the aim of securing cost effective protection from financially secure counterparts. The amount of reinsurance purchased has varied over time, reflecting our view of our exposures and the cost of reinsurance. In recent years, we have increased our use of reinsurance offered through capital market facilities.
We participate in “common account” retrocessional arrangements for certain reinsurance treaties whereby a ceding company purchases reinsurance for the benefit of itself and its reinsurers under one or more of its reinsurance treaties. Common account retrocessional arrangements reduce the effect of individual or aggregate losses to all participating companies, including the ceding company, with respect to the involved treaties.
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Information Technology. Everest’s information technology is a key component of its business operations. Information technology systems and services are hosted at public and private cloud service providers across multiple data centers with processing performed at the office locations of our operating subsidiaries and branches. We have implemented security procedures, and regularly assess and enhance our security protocols, to ensure that our key business systems are protected, secured and backed up at off-site locations so that they can be restored promptly if necessary. We have business continuity plans and disaster recovery plans along with periodic testing of those plans to ensure we are capable of providing uninterrupted technology services in the event of major systems outages with alternative secure data centers available in case of broader outages.
Our business operations depend on the proper functioning and availability of our information technology platform, which includes data processing and related electronic communications. We communicate electronically internally and externally with our brokers, program managers, clients, third-party vendors, regulators, and others. These communications and the data we handle may include personal, confidential or proprietary information. We ensure that all our systems, data and electronic transmissions are appropriately protected with the latest technology safeguards and meet regulatory standards.
Despite these safeguards, a significant cyber incident, including system failure, security breach and disruption by malware or other damage could interrupt or delay our operations and possibly our results. This type of incident may result in a violation of applicable data security, privacy, or other laws, damage our reputation, cause a loss of customers or give rise to regulatory scrutiny as well as monetary fines and other penalties. Management is not aware of a cybersecurity incident that has had a material impact on our operations.
Expected Cash Outflows. The following table shows our significant expected cash outflows for the period indicated.
| Payments due by period | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | Total | Less than 1 year | 1-3 years | 3-5 years | More than 5 years | |||||||||||||
| Senior notes | $ | 2,400 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 2,400 | ||||||||
| Long term notes | 219 | — | — | — | 219 | |||||||||||||
| Federal Home Loan Bank of New York | 819 | 819 | — | — | — | |||||||||||||
| Interest expense (1) | 3,016 | 103 | 207 | 207 | 2,499 | |||||||||||||
| Operating lease agreements | 178 | 24 | 40 | 32 | 83 | |||||||||||||
| Gross reserve for losses and LAE (2) | 24,604 | 2,345 | 8,528 | 5,633 | 8,098 | |||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 31,236 | $ | 3,292 | $ | 8,774 | $ | 5,871 | $ | 13,299 |
(Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
(1)Interest expense on long-term notes is calculated at the variable floating rate of 8.03% as of December 31, 2023.
(2)Loss and LAE reserves represent management’s best estimate of losses from claim and related settlement costs. Both the amounts and timing of such payments are estimates, and the inherent variability of resolving claims as well as changes in market conditions make the timing of cash flows uncertain. Therefore, the ultimate amount and timing of loss and LAE payments could differ from our estimates.
The cash outflows for senior notes and long-term notes are the responsibility of Holdings. We strive to ensure that we have sufficient cash flow, liquidity, investments and access to capital markets to satisfy these obligations. Holdings generally depends upon dividends from Everest Re, its operating insurance subsidiary for its funding, capital contributions from Group or access to the capital markets. Our various operating insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries have sufficient cash flow, liquidity and investments to settle outstanding reserves for losses and LAE. Management believes that we, and each of our entities, have sufficient financial resources or ready access thereto, to meet all obligations.
Dividends.
During 2023 and 2022, we declared and paid common shareholder dividends of $288 million and $255 million, respectively. As an insurance holding company, we are partially dependent on dividends and other permitted payments from our subsidiaries to pay cash dividends to our shareholders. The payment of dividends to Group by Holdings Ireland and Everest Dublin Holdings is subject to Irish corporate and regulatory restrictions; the payment of dividends to Holdings Ireland by Holdings and to Holdings by Everest Re is subject to Delaware regulatory restrictions; and the payment of dividends to Group by Bermuda Re, Everest International, Everest Preferred International Holdings (“Preferred Holdings”), Everest Re Advisors Ltd. (“Advisors Re”) or Mt. Logan Re is subject to Bermuda insurance regulatory restrictions. Management expects that, absent extraordinary catastrophe losses, such restrictions should not affect Everest Re’s ability to declare and pay dividends sufficient to support Holdings’ general corporate needs and that
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Holdings Ireland, Everest Dublin Holdings, Bermuda Re and Everest International will have the ability to declare and pay dividends sufficient to support Group’s general corporate needs. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, Everest Re paid $0 million and $250 million of cash dividends to Holdings. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, Bermuda Re paid cash dividends to Group of $235 million and $430 million, respectively; Everest International paid no cash dividends to Group; Preferred Holdings paid cash dividends to Group of $48 million and $46 million, respectively; Advisors Re paid cash dividends to Group of $67 million and $0 million, respectively; and Mt. Logan Re paid cash dividends to Group of $15 million and $0 million, respectively. See ITEM 1, “Business - Regulatory Matters - Dividends” and ITEM 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” - Note 17 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Market Sensitive Instruments.
The SEC’s Financial Reporting Release #48 requires registrants to clarify and expand upon the existing financial statement disclosure requirements for derivative financial instruments, derivative commodity instruments and other financial instruments (collectively, “market sensitive instruments”). We do not generally enter into market sensitive instruments for trading purposes.
Our current investment strategy seeks to maximize after-tax income through a high quality, diversified, fixed maturity portfolio, while maintaining an adequate level of liquidity. Our mix of investments is adjusted periodically, consistent with our current and projected operating results and market conditions. The fixed maturity securities in the investment portfolio are comprised of non-trading securities. Additionally, we have invested in equity securities.
The overall investment strategy considers the scope of present and anticipated Company operations. In particular, estimates of the financial impact resulting from non-investment asset and liability transactions, together with our capital structure and other factors, are used to develop a net liability analysis. This analysis includes estimated payout characteristics for which our investments provide liquidity. This analysis is considered in the development of specific investment strategies for asset allocation, duration and credit quality. The change in overall market sensitive risk exposure principally reflects the asset changes that took place during the period.
Interest Rate Risk. Our $37.1 billion investment portfolio at December 31, 2023, is principally comprised of fixed maturity securities, which are generally subject to interest rate risk and some foreign currency exchange rate risk, and some equity securities, which are subject to price fluctuations and some foreign exchange rate risk. The overall economic impact of the foreign exchange risks on the investment portfolio is partially mitigated by changes in the dollar value of foreign currency denominated liabilities and their associated income statement impact.
Interest rate risk is the potential change in value of the fixed maturity securities portfolio from a change in market interest rates. In a declining interest rate environment, it includes prepayment risk on the $6.2 billion of mortgage-backed securities in the $28.6 billion fixed maturity portfolio. Prepayment risk results from potential accelerated principal payments that shorten the average life and thus the expected yield of the security.
The tables below display the potential impact of market value fluctuations and after-tax unrealized appreciation on our fixed maturity portfolio (including $2.1 billion of short-term investments) for the period indicated based on upward and downward parallel shifts of 100 and 200 basis points in interest rates. The market value change under the various interest rate changes scenarios was estimated taking duration into account with modeling done at the individual security level.
| Impact of Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points At December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -200 | -100 | 0 | 100 | 200 | ||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total Fair Value | $ | 32,813 | $ | 31,768 | $ | 30,722 | $ | 29,677 | $ | 28,631 | ||||||||
| Fair Value Change from Base (%) | 6.8 | % | 3.4 | % | — | % | (3.4) | % | (6.8) | % | ||||||||
| Change in Unrealized Appreciation | ||||||||||||||||||
| After-tax from Base ($) | $ | 1,811 | $ | 905 | $ | — | $ | (905) | $ | (1,811) |
58
Table of Contents
| Impact of Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points At December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| -200 | -100 | 0 | 100 | 200 | ||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total Fair Value | $ | 25,618 | $ | 24,863 | $ | 24,107 | $ | 23,352 | $ | 22,596 | ||||||||
| Fair Value Change from Base (%) | 6.3 | % | 3.1 | % | — | % | (3.1) | % | (6.3) | % | ||||||||
| Change in Unrealized Appreciation | ||||||||||||||||||
| After-tax from Base ($) | $ | 1,316 | $ | 658 | $ | — | $ | (658) | $ | (1,316) |
We had $24.6 billion and $22.1 billion of gross reserves for losses and LAE as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. These amounts are recorded at their nominal value, as opposed to present value, which would reflect a discount adjustment to reflect the time value of money. Since losses are paid out over a period of time, the present value of the reserves is less than the nominal value. As interest rates rise, the present value of the reserves decreases and, conversely, as interest rates decline, the present value increases. These movements are the opposite of the interest rate impacts on the fair value of investments. While the difference between present value and nominal value is not reflected in our financial statements, our financial results will include investment income over time from the investment portfolio until the claims are paid. Our loss and loss reserve obligations have an expected duration of approximately 3.9 years, which is reasonably consistent with our fixed income portfolio. If we were to discount our loss and LAE reserves, net of ceded reserves, the discount would be approximately $4.3 billion resulting in a discounted reserve balance of approximately $18.3 billion, representing approximately 59.3% of the value of the fixed maturity investment portfolio funds.
Foreign Currency Risk. Foreign currency risk is the potential change in value, income and cash flow arising from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Each of our non-U.S./Bermuda operations maintains capital in the currency of the country of its geographic location consistent with local regulatory guidelines. Each non-U.S. operation may conduct business in its local currency, as well as the currency of other countries in which it operates. The primary foreign currency exposures for these non-U.S. operations are the Canadian Dollar, the Singapore Dollar, the British Pound Sterling and the Euro. We mitigate foreign exchange exposure by generally matching the currency and duration of our assets to our corresponding operating liabilities. In accordance with US GAAP guidance, the impact on the fair value of available for sale fixed maturities due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, in relation to functional currency, is reflected as part of other comprehensive income. Conversely, the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, in relation to functional currency, on other assets and liabilities is reflected through net income as a component of other income (expense). In addition, we translate the assets, liabilities and income of non-U.S. dollar functional currency legal entities to the U.S. dollar. This translation amount is reported as a component of other comprehensive income.
The tables below display the potential impact of a parallel and immediate 10% and 20% increase and decrease in foreign exchange rates on the valuation of invested assets subject to foreign currency exposure for the periods indicated. This analysis includes the after-tax impact of translation from transactional currency to functional currency as well as the after-tax impact of translation from functional currency to the U.S. dollar reporting currency.
| Change in Foreign Exchange Rates in Percent At December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | -20% | -10% | 0% | 10% | 20% | |||||||||||||
| Total After-tax Foreign Exchange Exposure | $ | (1,022) | $ | (511) | $ | — | $ | 511 | $ | 1,022 |
| Change in Foreign Exchange Rates in Percent At December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | -20% | -10% | 0% | 10% | 20% | |||||||||||||
| Total After-tax Foreign Exchange Exposure | $ | (814) | $ | (407) | $ | — | $ | 407 | $ | 814 |
FY 2022 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001095073-23-000007.
general
claim developments
that may
have
material implications
for the
Company
are regularly
communicated
to
senior
management,
actuarial,
legal
and
financial
areas.
Senior
management
and
claim
management
personnel
meet
at
least
quarterly
to
review
the
Company’s
overall
reserve
positions
and
make
changes,
if
appropriate.
The Company continually
reviews its internal
processing, communications
and analytics, seeking to
enhance
the
management
of
its
A&E
exposures,
in
particular
in
regard
to
changes
in
asbestos
claims
and
litigation.
Reserves for Unpaid Property and Casualty Losses and
LAE.
Significant periods of time may elapse
between the occurrence of an insured
loss, the reporting of the loss to the
insurer and the reinsurer and
the payment of that loss by the insurer
and subsequent payments to
the insurer by
the reinsurer.
To
recognize liabilities
for unpaid losses and
LAE, insurers and
reinsurers establish
reserves, which
are
balance sheet
liabilities representing
estimates
of future
amounts
needed to
pay
reported
and unreported
claims
and
related
expenses
for
losses
that
have
already
occurred.
Actual
losses
and
LAE
paid
may
deviate,
perhaps substantially,
from such
reserves.
To
the extent
reserves prove
to be
insufficient to
cover actual
losses
and
LAE
after
taking
into
account
available
reinsurance
coverage,
the
Company
would
have
to
recognize
such
reserve
shortfalls
and incur
a charge
to
earnings,
which could
be material
in the
period such
recognition
takes
place.
See ITEM
7, “Management’s
Discussion and
Analysis of
Financial Condition
and Results
of Operations
—
Loss and LAE Reserves”.
As part of the reserving
process, insurers
and reinsurers
evaluate historical
data and trends
and make judgments
as
to
the
impact
of
various
factors
such
as
legislative
and
judicial
developments
that
may
affect
future
claim
amounts, changes
in social
and political
attitudes that
may increase
loss exposures
and inflationary
and general
economic
trends.
While
the
reserving
process
is
difficult
and
subjective
for
insurance
companies,
the
inherent
uncertainties
of
estimating
such
reserves
are
even
greater
for
the
reinsurer,
due
primarily
to
the
longer
time
between the
date
of an
occurrence and
the reporting
of any
attendant
claims to
the reinsurer,
the diversity
of
development
patterns
among
different
types
of
reinsurance
treaties
or
facultative
contracts,
the
necessary
reliance
on
the
ceding
companies
for
information
regarding
reported
claims
and
differing
reserving
practices
among ceding
companies.
In addition,
trends
that have
affected
development
of liabilities
in the
past
may
not
necessarily occur
or affect
liability development
in the
same manner
or to
the same
degree in
the future.
As a
result,
actual
losses
and
LAE
may
deviate,
perhaps
substantially,
from
estimates
of
reserves
reflected
in
the
Company's consolidated financial statem
ents.
The
Company’s
loss
and
LAE
reserves
represent
management’s
best
estimate
of
the
ultimate
liability.
Management’s
best estimate
is developed
through
collaboration
with actuarial,
underwriting, claims,
legal
and
finance
departments
and
culminates
with
the
input
of
reserve
committees.
Each
segment
reserve
committee
includes the participation of the relevant parties
from actuarial, finance, claims and segment senior management
and has
the responsibility
for recommending
and approving
management’s
best estimate.
Reserves are
further
reviewed
by
Everest’s
Chief
Reserving
Actuary
and
senior
management.
The
objective
of
such
process
is
to
determine
a
single
best
estimate
viewed
by
management
to
be
the
best
estimate
of
its
ultimate
loss
liability.
While there
can
be no
assurance
that
these reserves
will not
need to
be increased
in the
future,
management
believes that
the Company’s
existing reserves
and reserving
methodologies reduce
the likelihood
that any
such
increases
would
have
a
material
adverse
effect
on
the
Company’s
financial
condition,
results
of
operations
or
cash flows.
These statements
regarding the
Company’s
loss reserves
are forward
looking statements
within the
meaning
of
the
U.S.
federal
securities
laws
and
are
intended
to
be
covered
by
the
safe
harbor
provisions
contained
therein.
See
ITEM
7,
“Management’s
Discussion
and
Analysis
of
Financial
Condition
and
Results
of
Operations – Safe Harbor Disclosure”.
Like many other
property and casualty
insurance and reinsurance
companies, the Company
has experienced loss
development
for
prior
accident
years,
which
has
impacted
losses
and
LAE
reserves
and
caused
corresponding
effects
to
income
(loss)
in
the
periods
in
which
the
adjustments
were
made.
There
can
be
no
assurance
that
adverse
development
from
prior
years
will
not
occur
in
the
future
or
that
such
adverse
development
will
not
have a material adverse
effect on net income (loss).
13
Since the Company
has operations
in many countries,
part of the Company’s
loss and LAE reserves
are in foreign
currencies
and
translated
to
U.S.
dollars
for
each
reporting
period.
Fluctuations
in
the
exchange
rates
for
the
currencies,
period
over
period,
affect
the
U.S.
dollar
amount
of
outstanding
reserves.
The
translation
adjustment eliminates
the impact of the
exchange fluctuations
from the reserve
re-estimates.
For reconciliation
of beginning and ending reserves, see Note 3 of Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Reserves for Asbestos and Environmental
Loss and LAE.
At December 31,
2022, the Company’s
gross reserves
for A&E claims
represented 1.3%
of its total
reserves.
The
Company’s
A&E
liabilities
stem
from
Mt.
McKinley
Insurance
Company’s
(“Mt.
McKinley”)
direct
insurance
business
and Everest
Re’s
assumed reinsurance
business.
Mt. McKinley
was a
former
wholly-owned subsidiary
that was sold in
2015 to Clearwater Insurance
Company (Clearwater”), a subsidiary
of Fairfax Financial.
Liabilities
related to
Mt. McKinley’s
direct business,
which had been
ceded to
Bermuda Re
previously,
were retroceded
to
an affiliate of Clearwater in July
2015, concurrent with the sale of Mt. McKinley to Clearwater.
Concurrently
with
the
closing,
the
Company
entered
into
a
retrocession
treaty
with
an
affiliate
of
Clearwater.
Per the retrocession
treaty,
the Company retroceded
100% of the liabilities
associated with certain
Mt. McKinley
policies,
which
had
been
reinsured
by
Bermuda
Re.
As
consideration
for
entering
into
the
retrocession
treaty,
Bermuda Re
transferred
cash of
$140.3 million,
an amount
equal to
the net
loss reserves
as of
the closing
date.
Of
the
$140.3
million
of
net
loss
reserves
retroceded,
$100.5
million
were
related
to
A&E
business.
The
maximum
liability
retroceded
under
the
retrocession
treaty
will
be
$440.3
million,
equal
to
the
retrocession
payment plus
$300.0 million.
The Company will
retain liability
for any
amounts exceeding
the maximum liability
retroceded under the retrocession
treaty.
On December 20, 2019, the retrocession
treaty was amended and
included a partial commutation.
As a result of
this amendment
and partial
commutation, gross
A&E reserves
and correspondingly
reinsurance receivable
were
reduced
by
$43.4
million.
In
addition,
the
maximum
liability
permitted
to
be
retroceded
increased
to
$450.3
million.
Additional losses,
including those relating
to latent
injuries and
other exposures,
which are as
yet unrecognized,
the type
or magnitude
of which
cannot be
foreseen by
either the
Company or
the industry,
may emerge
in the
future. Such
future emergence
could have
material adverse
effects on
the Company’s
future financial condition,
results of operations and cash flows.
There are
significant uncertainties
in estimating
the amount
of the
Company’s
potential losses
from A&E
claims
and
ultimate
values
cannot
be
estimated
using
traditional
reserving
techniques.
See
ITEM
7,
“Management’s
Discussion
and
Analysis
of
Financial
Condition
and
Results
of
Operations
–
Asbestos
and
Environmental
Exposures”
and
ITEM
8,
“Financial
Statements
and
Supplementary
Data”
–
Note
3
of
Notes
to
Consolidated
Financial Statements.
Future Policy Benefit Reserves.
The Company
wrote a
limited amount
of life
and annuity
reinsurance in
its Reinsurance
segment.
Future policy
benefit
liabilities
for
annuities
are
reported
at
the
accumulated
fund
balance
of these
contracts.
Reserves
for
those
liabilities
include
mortality
provisions
with
respect
to
life
and
annuity
claims,
both
reported
and
unreported. Actual
experience in a
particular period may
be worse than
assumed
experience and, consequently,
may
adversely
affect
the
Company’s
operating
results
for
that
period.
See
ITEM
8,
“Financial
Statements
and
Supplementary Data” - Note 1F and
Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Investments.
The board of directors
of each of the Company’s
operating subsidiaries is
responsible for establishing
investment
policy and guidelines and, together with senior management,
for overseeing their execution.
14
The
Company’s
principal
investment
objectives
are
to
ensure
funds
are
available
to
meet
its
insurance
and
reinsurance obligations
and to maximize after-tax
investment income
while maintaining a high
quality diversified
investment
portfolio.
Considering
these objectives,
the
Company
views
its investment
portfolio
as having
two
components: 1)
the investments
needed to
satisfy outstanding
liabilities (its
core fixed
maturities portfolio)
and
2) investments funded by the Company’s
shareholders’ equity.
For the portion
needed to satisfy
global outstanding
liabilities, the Company
generally invests
in fixed maturities
with a high level of average
credit quality.
This global fixed maturity securities portfolio
is largely managed on an
external
basis
by
independent,
professional
investment
managers
using
portfolio
guidelines
approved
by
the
Company.
Over
the
past
several
years,
the
Company
has
expanded
the
allocation
of
its
investments
funded
by
shareholders’ equity
to include:
1) publicly traded
equity securities, 2) emerging
market fixed
maturities, as well
as individual holdings,
3) high yield
fixed maturities,
4) bank and
private loan
securities, 5) private
equity limited
partnership
investments
and 6)
Company
owned life
insurance.
The objective
of this
portfolio diversification
is
to
enhance
the
risk-adjusted
total
return
of
the
investment
portfolio
by
allocating
a
prudent
portion
of
the
portfolio to higher return asset
classes.
The Company limits its allocation to these
asset classes because of 1) the
potential
for
volatility
in
their
values
and
2)
the
impact
of
these
investments
on
regulatory
and
rating
agency
capital adequacy
models.
The Company uses
investment managers
experienced in these
markets and
adjusts its
allocation to these investments
based upon market conditions.
The duration
of an
investment
is based
on the
maturity of
the security
but also
reflects the
payment of
interest
and the
possibility of
early prepayments.
The Company’s
fixed income
investment
guidelines include
a general
duration
guideline.
This investment
duration
guideline is
established
and periodically
revised
by management,
which
considers
economic
and
business
factors,
as
well
as
the
Company’s
average
duration
of
potential
liabilities, which, at December 31, 2022, is estimated
at approximately 3.8 years,
based on the estimated payouts
of
underwriting
liabilities
using
standard
duration
calculations.
The
average
duration
of
the
fixed
income
portfolio at December 31, 2022
and 2021 was 3.1 years and 3.2 years,
respectively.
For each
currency in
which the
Company has
established
substantial
loss and
LAE reserves,
the Company
seeks
to maintain
invested
assets
denominated in
such currency
in an
amount approximately
equal to
the estimated
liabilities.
Approximately
42.7%
of
the
Company’s
consolidated
reserves
for
losses
and
LAE
and
unearned
premiums represent amounts
payable in foreign currencies.
The Company’s
cash and
invested
assets
totaled
$29.9 billion
at December
31, 2022,
which consisted
of 85.4%
fixed maturities,
short term investments
and cash, of which
93.2% were investment
grade; 13.7% other
invested
assets and
0.9% equity
securities.
The average
maturity of
fixed maturity
securities was
4.6 years
at December
31, 2022, and their overall average
duration was 3.1 years.
As of
December 31,
2022, the
Company did
not have
any direct
investments
in commercial
real estate
or direct
commercial
mortgages
or
securities
of
issuers
that
are
experiencing
cash
flow
difficulty
to
an
extent
that
the
Company’s
management
believes
could
threaten
the
issuer’s
ability
to
meet
debt
service
payments,
except
where an allowance for credit
losses has been recognized.
The Company’s
investment
portfolio includes
structured commercial
mortgage-backed
securities (“CMBS”)
with
a book
value of
$1.0 billion
and a
fair val
ue of
$925.8 million.
CMBS securities
comprising more
than 86.6%
of
the
December
31,
2022
fair
value
are
rated
AAA
by
S&P
Global
Ratings
(“S&P”).
Furthermore,
all
held
CMBS
securities are rated investment
grade by S&P.
15
The following table reflects investment
results for the Company for
the periods indicated:
December 31,
Pre-tax
Pre-tax
Pre-tax
Pre-tax
Realized Net
Unrealized Net
Average
Investment
Effective
Gains (Losses)
Gains (Losses)
(Dollars in millions)
Investments
(1)
Income
(2)
Yield
On Investments
(3)
On Investments
2022
$
29,788
$
830
2.79%
$
(455)
$
(2,225)
2021
27,606
1,165
4.22%
258
(542)
2020
23,253
643
2.76%
268
465
2019
19,632
647
3.30%
185
533
2018
18,426
581
3.15%
(127)
(251)
(1)
Average of
the beginning and
ending carrying values
of investments
and cash,
less net funds
held, future policy
benefit reserve,
and non-interest
bearing
cash.
Fixed
maturities,
available
for
sale
and
equity
securities
are
carried
at
fair
value.
Fixed
maturities,
held
to
maturity
securities
are
carried
at
amortized cost net of the expected
credit loss allowance.
(2)
After investment expenses,
excluding realized net gains
(losses) on investments.
(3)
Included in
2022, 2021,
2020, 2019
and 2018
are fair
value re-measurements
of $460
million, $236
million, $280
million,
$167 million
and ($67)
million,
respectively. In addition,
2022 & 2021 includes ($33 million) and ($28 million) of
expected credit losses.
(Some amounts may not reconcile due
to rounding.)
The following
table
represents
the credit
quality distribution
of the
Company’s
fixed
maturities
for
the periods
indicated:
At December 31,
2022
2021
(Dollars in millions)
Fair Value/
Percent of
Fair Value/
Percent of
Rating Agency Credit Quality Distribution:
Amortized Cost
(1)
Total
Amortized Cost
(1)
Total
AAA
$
8,432
36.6%
$
7,111
31.8%
AA
2,886
12.5%
2,591
11.6%
A
6,268
27.2%
5,833
26.1%
BBB
3,768
16.3%
4,763
21.4%
BB
1,227
5.3%
1,204
5.4%
B
163
0.7%
325
1.5%
Rated below B
49
0.2%
57
0.3%
Other
283
1.2%
425
1.9%
Total
$
23,075
100.0%
$
22,308
100.0%
(Some amounts may not reconcile due
to rounding.)
(1)
Fixed maturities-available for
sale are at fair value and fixed
maturities-held to maturity are at amortized
cost, net of allowances for
credit losses
16
The following table summarizes fixed
maturities by contractual maturity
for the periods indicated:
At December 31,
2022
2021
Fair Value/
Percent of
Fair Value/
Percent of
(Dollars in millions)
Amortized Cost
(1)
Total
Amortized Cost
(1)
Total
Fixed maturity securities
Due in one year or less
$
1,319
5.7%
$
1,398
6.2%
Due after one year through five years
7,607
33.0%
7,155
32.1%
Due after five years through ten years
4,098
17.8%
5,101
22.9%
Due after ten years
1,299
5.6%
1,627
7.3%
Asset-backed securities
4,705
20.4%
3,582
16.1%
Mortgage-backed securities
4,029
17.5%
3,446
15.4%
Total fixed
maturity securities
$
23,057
100.0%
$
22,308
100.0%
(Some amounts may not reconcile due
to rounding.)
(1) The amortized cost and fair value
of fixed maturity securities are shown
by contractual maturity.
Mortgage-backed securities
are generally more likely to
be
prepaid than other fixed maturity securities.
As the stated maturity of such securities
may not be indicative of actual maturities,
the totals for mortgage-backed
and asset-backed securities are shown
separately.
Financial Strength Ratings.
The
following
table
shows
the
current
financial
strength
ratings
of
the
Company’s
operating
subsidiaries
as
reported
by
A.M.
Best,
S&P
Global
Ratings
(“S&P”)
and
Moody’s.
These
ratings
represent
an
independent
opinion
of
the
financial
strength,
operating
performance,
business
profile
and
ability
to
meet
policyholder
obligations.
The ratings
are not
intended to
be an
indication of
the degree
or lack
of risk
involved
in a
direct or
indirect
equity
investment
or
a
recommendation
to
buy,
sell
or
hold
our
securities.
Additionally,
rating
organizations
may
change
their
rating
methodology,
which
could
have
a
material
impact
on
our
financial
strength ratings.
All
of
the
below-mentioned
ratings
are
continually
monitored
and
revised,
if
necessary,
by
each
of
the
rating
agencies.
The ratings presented in
the following table were in
effect as of January 31, 2023.
17
The Company
believes that
its ratings
are important
as they
provide the
Company’s
customers
and others
with
an
independent
assessment
of
the
Company’s
financial
strength
using
a
rating
scale
that
provides
for
relative
comparisons.
Strong financial
ratings are
particularly important
for reinsurance
and insurance
companies given
that customers
rely on a company
to pay covered
losses well into the future.
As a result, a highly rated
company
is generally preferred.
Operating Subsidiary:
A.M. Best
S&P
Moody's
Everest Reinsurance Company
A+ (Superior)
A+ (Strong)
A1 (upper-medium)
Everest Reinsurance (Bermuda) Ltd.
A+ (Superior)
A+ (Strong)
A1 (upper-medium)
Everest Reinsurance Company (Ireland) dac
A+ (Superior)
A+ (Strong)
Not Rated
Everest National Insurance Company
A+ (Superior)
A+ (Strong)
Not Rated
Everest Indemnity Insurance Company
A+ (Superior)
A+ (Strong)
Not Rated
Everest Security Insurance Company
A+ (Superior)
A+ (Strong)
Not Rated
Everest International Assurance, Ltd.
A+ (Superior)
A+ (Strong)
Not Rated
Everest Compañia de Seguros Generales Chile S.A.
A+ (Superior)
Not Rated
Not Rated
Everest Insurance Company of Canada
A+ (Superior)
A+ (Strong)
Not Rated
Everest International Reinsurance,
Ltd.
A+ (Superior)
A+ (Strong)
Not Rated
Everest Denali Insurance Company
A+ (Superior)
A+ (Strong)
Not Rated
Everest Premier Insurance Company
A+ (Superior)
A+ (Strong)
Not Rated
Everest Insurance (Ireland), dac
A+ (Superior)
A+ (Strong)
Not Rated
A.M. Best
states
that
the
“A+”
(“Superior”) rating
is
assigned to
those
companies
which, in
its opinion,
have
a
superior
ability
to
meet
their
ongoing
insurance
policy
and
contract
obligations
based
on
A.M.
Best’s
comprehensive
quantitative
and
qualitative
evaluation
of
a
company’s
balance
sheet
strength,
operating
performance
and
business
profile.
A.M.
Best
affirmed
these
ratings
on
June
15,
2022.
S&P
states
that
the
“A+”/”A”
ratings
are assigned
to those
insurance companies
which, in
its opinion,
have strong
financial security
characteristics
with respect
to their
ability to
pay under
its insurance
policies and
contracts
in accordance
with
their
terms.
S&P
affirmed
all
ratings
on
May
27,
2022.
Moody’s
states
that
an
“A1”
rating
is
assigned
to
companies that, in
their opinion, offer
upper-medium grade
security and are
subject to low
credit risk.
Moody’s
affirmed these ratings on June 17, 2022.
Subsidiaries
other
than
Everest
Reinsurance
Co.
and
Everest
Reinsurance
(Bermuda)
Ltd.
may
not
be
rated
by
some
or
any
rating
agencies
given
that
such
ratings
are
not
considered
essential
by
the
individual
subsidiary’s
customers
because
of
the
limited
nature
of
the
subsidiary’s
operations
or
because
the
subsidiaries
are
newly
established and have not yet
been rated by the agencies.
Debt Ratings.
The
following
table
shows
the
debt
ratings
by
A.M.
Best,
S&P
and
Moody’s
of
the
Holdings’
senior
notes
due
June 1,
2044, senior
notes due
October
15, 2050,
senior notes
due October
15, 2052
and long-term
notes
due
May
1,
2067
all
of
which
are
considered
investment
grade.
Debt
ratings
are
the
rating
agencies’
current
assessment of the credit worthiness of an
obligor with respect to a specific obligation.
Instrument
A.M. Best
S&P
Moody's
Senior Notes due June 1, 2044
a-
(Strong)
A-
(Strong)
Baa1
(Medium Grade)
Senior Notes due October 15, 2050
a-
(Strong)
A-
(Strong)
Baa1
(Medium Grade)
Senior Notes due October 15, 2052
NR
A-
(Strong)
Baa1
(Medium Grade)
Long-Term Notes due May
1, 2067
bbb
(Adequate)
BBB
(Adequate)
Baa2
(Medium Grade)
18
Competition.
The worldwide
reinsurance
and insurance
businesses
are highly
competitive,
as well
as cyclical
by
product
and
market.
As
such,
financial
results
tend
to
fluctuate
with
periods
of
constrained
availability,
higher
rates
and
stronger
profits
followed
by
periods
of
abundant
capacity,
lower
rates
and
constrained
profitability.
Competition
in
the
types
of reinsurance
and
insurance
business
that
we
underwrite
is
based
on
many
factors,
including the perceived overall
financial strength of
the reinsurer or insurer,
ratings of the reinsurer
or insurer by
A.M. Best
and/or
Standard
& Poor’s,
underwriting expertise,
the jurisdictions
where the
reinsurer
or insurer
is
licensed
or
otherwise
authorized,
capacity
and
coverages
offered,
premiums
charged,
other
terms
and
conditions
of
the
reinsurance
and
insurance
business
offered,
services
offered,
speed
of
claims
payment
and
reputation
and
experience
in
lines
written.
Furthermore,
the
market
impact
from
these
competitive
factors
related
to
reinsurance
and
insurance
is
generally
not
consistent
across
lines
of
business,
domestic
and
international geographical
areas and distribution channels.
We
compete
in
the
U.S.,
Bermuda
and
international
reinsurance
and
insurance
markets
with
numerous
global
competitors.
Our
competitors
include
independent
reinsurance
and
insurance
companies,
subsidiaries
or
affiliates
of
established
worldwide
insurance
companies,
reinsurance
departments
of
certain
insurance
companies, domestic
and international
underwriting operations,
including underwriting
syndicates
at Lloyd’s
of
London
and
certain
government
sponsored
risk
transfer
vehicles.
Some
of
these
competitors
have
greater
financial resources
than we do
and have
established long
term and continuing
business relationships,
which can
be
a
significant
competitive
advantage.
In
addition,
the
lack
of
strong
barriers
to
entry
into
the
reinsurance
business
and
the
securitization
of
reinsurance
and
insurance
risks
through
capital
markets
provide
additional
sources of potential reinsurance
and insurance capacity and competition.
Worldwide insurance
and reinsurance
market conditions
historically have
been competitive.
Generally,
there is
ample
insurance
and
reinsurance
capacity
relative
to
demand,
as
well
as
additional
capital
from
the
capital
markets
through
insurance
linked
financial
instruments.
These
financial
instruments
such
as
side
cars,
catastrophe
bonds and
collateralized
reinsurance
funds, provided
capital
markets
with access
to insurance
and
reinsurance
risk exposure.
The capital
markets
demand
for
these products
is primarily
driven
by
the desire
to
achieve
greater
risk
diversification
and
potentially
higher
returns
on
their
investments.
This
competition
generally has a negative impact
on rates, terms and conditions;
however,
the impact varies widely by market
and
coverage.
Based on recent competitive
behaviors in the
insurance and reinsurance
industry, natural
catastrophe
events
and
the
macroeconomic
backdrop,
there
has
been
some
dislocation
in
the
market
which
we
expect
to
have a positive impact on rates
and terms and conditions, generally,
though local market specificities can
vary.
The
increased
frequency
of
catastrophe
losses
experienced
throughout
2022
appears
to
be
pressuring
the
increase
of
rates.
As
business
activity
continues
to
regain
strength
after
the
pandemic
and
current
macroeconomic uncertainty,
rates appear to be firming in
most lines of business, particularly in the casualty
lines
that had
seen significant
losses such
as excess
casualty and
directors’
and officers’
liability.
Other casualty
lines
are
experiencing
modest
rate
increase,
while
some
lines
such
as
workers’
compensation
were
experiencing
softer
market
conditions.
It
is
too
early
to
tell
what
the
impact
on
pricing
conditions
will
be,
but
it
is
likely
to
change depending on the line of business and geography.
Our capital position remains
a source of strength,
with high quality invested
assets, significant liquidity
and a low
operating
expense
ratio.
Our
diversified
global
platform
with
its
broad
mix
of
products,
distribution
and
geography is resilient.
The war in the
Ukraine is ongoing
and an evolving
event.
Economic and legal
sanctions have been
levied against
Russia,
specific
named
individuals
and
entities
connected
to
the
Russian
government,
as
well
as
businesses
located
in
the
Russian
Federation
and/or
owned
by
Russian
nationals
by
numerous
countries,
including
the
United States.
The significant
political and
economic uncertainty
surrounding the
war and
associated sanctions
have
impacted
economic and
investment
markets
both within
Russia and
around
the world.
The Company
has
recorded $45 million of losses related
to the Ukraine/Russia war during 2022.
19
Human Capital Management.
Our employees are essential to
the success of our business, and so we strive
to attract and retain
a high standard
of insurance
professionals
to meet
our business
needs as
well as
the needs
of our
clients and
customers.
As of
February
1,
2023,
the
Company
employed
2,428
persons.
Management
believes
that
employee
relations
are
good.
None of
the Company’s
employees
are
subject
to
collective
bargaining
agreements,
and the
Company
is
not aware of any current
efforts to implement such agreements.
Everest
is
committed
to
providing
our
employees
with
an
engaging
and
supportive
environment
so
that
employees
can
develop
personally
and
help
us
achieve
success
as
an
organization.
We
consider
the
ability
to
attract,
develop and
retain
a high
caliber of
insurance
professionals
to be
critical to
our success.
Opportunities
for continued
learning and
talent development
are provided
to all
employee levels.
Employees are
encouraged
to
take
ownership
of
their
development
by
using
the
tools
that
the
Company
has
made
available
to
them
-
including
industry
training,
mentorships
and
personal
development
classes.
Everest
actively
manages
its
succession
planning
throughout
our
organization
and
strives
to
provide
job
growth
and
advancement
opportunities to internal talent, where
possible.
Diversity and Inclusion.
Our strength
and success derive
from our diversity,
and we are
at our best
when we embrace
diverse views
and
perspectives.
Equality
in
opportunity,
career
development,
compensation
and
respect
for
all
individuals
are
fundamental human
rights that
are at
the forefront
of our
culture and
promoted not
only within
our workplace
but also the global
communities in which
we operate.
Our Board is
committed to
diversity within
its structure as
well as
emphasizing its
importance in
our senior
executive
leadership. We
believe that
diversity
in gender,
age,
ethnicity
and
skill
set
allows
for
dynamic
and
evolving
perspectives
in
governance,
strategy,
corporate
responsibility,
human rights and risk management.
Proactive
diversity
recruitment
is
an
integral
aspect
of
succession
planning
at
both
the
board
level
and
throughout
all
levels
in
the
organization.
Our
Talent
Development
team
works
with
senior
management
to
identify
women
and
persons
of color
across
the
Company
as
potential
leaders.
These
individuals
are
provided
management
and
executive
leadership
training
and
education
to
enhance
their
skillsets
and
provide
opportunities for
advancement.
Indeed, our
executive
officers are
measured on
their forward-thinking
diversity
initiatives
as
part
of
their
annual
performance
evaluations.
Such
diversity
at
the
most
senior
levels
of
our
organization
reflects our commitment
to identify and
develop highly qualified
women and individuals
of color to
help lead our Company into the future.
The
work
of
the
DEI
Council
has
helped
enhance
the
employee
experience
for
all
our
colleagues
across
the
organization
worldwide.
The
council
encourages
continuous
and
open
dialogue
between
executive
and
senior
management
and
traditionally
underrepresented
groups
at
all
levels,
without
fear
of
reprisal
or
retaliation,
to
identify areas
of improvement
and carry
out the
message of
inclusion both
inside and
outside our
organization.
The
DEI
council
was
instrumental
in
forming
and
supporting
additional
Employee
Resource
Groups
(“ERGs”),
developing
a
Regional
Representation
network
and
leveraging
specific
Talent
Development
and
Talent
Acquisition initiatives that will positively influence
the composition of our workforce.
Regulatory Matters.
The Company and
its insurance subsidiaries
are subject to
regulation under the
insurance statutes
of the various
jurisdictions in which they
conduct business, including
essentially all states
of the U.S., Canada,
Singapore, Brazil,
the United Kingdom,
Ireland, Chile and
Bermuda.
These regulations vary
from jurisdiction to
jurisdiction and are
generally
designed
to
protect
ceding
insurance
companies
and
policyholders
by
regulating
the
Company’s
conduct
of
business,
financial
integrity
and
ability
to
meet
its
obligations.
Many
of
these
regulations
require
reporting of information designed to
allow insurance regulators
to closely monitor the Company’s
performance.
Insurance
Holding Company
Regulation.
Under applicable
U.S. laws
and regulations,
no person,
corporation
or
other
entity
may
acquire
a
controlling
interest
in
the
Company,
unless
such
person,
corporation
or
entity
has
obtained
the prior
approval
for
such
acquisition
from
the insurance
commissioners
of Delaware
and
the
other
20
states
in
which
the
Company’s
insurance
subsidiaries
are
domiciled
or
deemed
domiciled,
currently
California
and Georgia.
Under these
laws, “control”
is presumed
when any
person acquires,
directly or
indirectly,
10% or
more
of
the
voting
securities
of
an
insurance
company.
To
obtain
the
approval
of
any
change
in
control,
the
proposed
acquirer
must
file
an
application
with
the
relevant
insurance
commissioner
disclosing,
among
other
things, the background of the acquirer and that
of its directors and officers, the
acquirer’s financial condition
and
its proposed
changes in
the management
and operations
of the
insurance
company.
U.S.
state
regulators
also
require
prior
notice
or
regulatory
approval
of
material
inter-affiliate
transactions
within
the
holding
company
structure.
The Insurance Companies Act
of Canada requires prior
approval by
the Minister of Finance of
anyone acquiring a
significant
interest
in an
insurance
company
authorized
to do
business
in Canada.
In addition,
the Company
is
subject to regulation by the insurance
regulators of other states
and foreign jurisdictions in which it is
authorized
to do
business.
Certain of
these states
and foreign
jurisdictions impose
regulations regulating
the ability
of any
person
to
acquire
control
of
an
insurance
company
authorized
to
do
business
in
that
jurisdiction
without
appropriate regulatory
approval similar to those described above.
Dividends.
Under Bermuda law,
Group is
prohibited from
declaring or paying
a dividend
if such payment
would
reduce the realizable
value of its
assets to an amount
less than the aggregate
value of its liabilities
and its issued
share
capital
and share
premium
(additional
paid-in
capital)
accounts.
Group’s
ability
to
pay
dividends
and its
operating
expenses
is
partially
dependent
upon
dividends
from
its
subsidiaries.
The
payment
of
dividends
by
insurance
subsidiaries
is
limited
under
Bermuda
law
as
well
as
the
laws
of
the
various
U.S.
states
in
which
Group’s
insurance
and
reinsurance
subsidiaries
are
domiciled
or
deemed
domiciled.
The
limitations
are
generally
based
upon
net
income
(loss)
and
compliance
with
applicable
policyholders’
surplus
or
minimum
solvency
and
liquidity
requirements
as
determined
in
accordance
with
the
relevant
statutory
accounting
practices.
Under
Irish
corporate
and
regulatory
law,
Holdings
Ireland,
Everest
Dublin
Holdings
and
their
subsidiaries are limited as to the dividends
they can pay based on retained earnings
and net income (loss) and/or
capital and minimum solvency requirements.
As Holdings has outstanding debt obligations,
it is dependent upon
dividends
and
other
permissible
payments
from
its
operating
subsidiaries
to
enable
it
to
meet
its
debt
and
operating expense obligations
and to pay dividends.
Under
Bermuda
law,
Bermuda
Re,
Everest
International
and
Everest
Assurance
are
unable
to
declare
or
make
payment
of a
dividend if
they
fail to
meet their
minimum solvency
margin or
minimum liquidity
ratio.
As long
term insurers,
Bermuda Re and
Everest Assurance
are also unable
to declare or
pay a dividend
to anyone
who is
not a policyholder unless, after
payment of the dividend,
the value of the assets in
their long term business fund,
as
certified by
their
approved
actuary,
exceeds
their
liabilities
for
long
term
business
by
at
least
the
$250,000
minimum
solvency
margin.
Prior
approval
of
the
Bermuda
Monetary
Authority
is
required
if
Bermuda
Re’s,
Everest
International’s
or
Everest
Assurance’s
dividend
payments
would
exceed
25%
of
their
prior
year
end
statutory
capital and
surplus.
At December
31, 2022,
Bermuda Re,
Everest
International and
Everest
Assurance
exceeded their solvency and liquidity
requirements.
The
payment
of
dividends
to
Holdings
by
Everest
Re
is
subject
to
limitations
imposed
by
Delaware
law.
Generally,
Everest
Re
may
only
pay
dividends
out
of
its
statutory
earned
surplus,
which
was
$5.6
billion
at
December
31, 2022,
and only
after
it
has
given
10 days
prior
notice to
the
Delaware
Insurance
Commissioner.
During this 10-day
period, the
Commissioner may,
by order,
limit or disallow
the payment
of ordinary
dividends
if the
Commissioner finds
the insurer
to be
presently
or potentially
in financial
distress.
Further,
the maximum
amount
of dividends
that
may
be paid
without
the
prior
approval
of the
Delaware
Insurance
Commissioner
in
any
twelve
month
period is
the
greater
of (1)
10% of
the
insurer’s
statutory
surplus
as of
the
end of
the
prior
calendar year
or (2) the
insurer’s statutory
net income (loss),
not including realized
capital gains
(losses), for
the
prior calendar
year.
Accordingly,
the maximum
amount
that
will be
available
for
the payment
of dividends
by
Everest
Re in
2023 without triggering
the requirement
for prior
approval of
regulatory authorities
in connection
with a dividend is $555 million.
21
Insurance Regulation.
Bermuda Re
and Everest
International are
not admitted
to do
business in any
jurisdiction
in
the
U.S.
These
entities
conduct
their
insurance
business
from
their
offices
in
Bermuda,
and
in
the
case
of
Bermuda Re,
its branch
in the UK.
Everest
Assurance, by
virtue of its
one-time election
under section
953(d) of
the U.S.
Internal Revenue
Code to
be a
U.S. income
tax paying
“Controlled Foreign
Corporation”,
is admitted
to
do
business
in the
U.S.
and
Bermuda.
In
Bermuda,
Bermuda
Re,
Everest
International,
Everest
Assurance
and
Mt. Logan Re are
regulated by the
Insurance Act 1978 (as
amended) and related
regulations (the “Act”).
The Act
establishes solvency
and liquidity
standards
and auditing
and reporting
requirements and
subjects Bermuda
Re,
Everest
International
and
Everest
Assurance
to
the
supervision,
investigation
and
intervention
powers
of
the
Bermuda
Monetary
Authority.
Under
the
Act,
Bermuda
Re
and
Everest
International,
as
Class
4
insurers,
are
each
required
to
maintain
a
principal
office
in
Bermuda,
to
maintain
a
minimum
of
$100
million
in
statutory
capital
and surplus,
to have
an independent
auditor approved
by the
Bermuda Monetary
Authority conduct
an
annual audit and
report on their
respective statutory
and U.S. GAAP
FY 2021 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001095073-22-000005.
ITEM 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation
The following is a discussion and analysis of our results of operations and financial condition for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes, under ITEM 8 of this Form 10-K. Pursuant to the FAST Act Modernization and Simplification of Regulation S-K, comparisons between 2020 and 2019 have been omitted from this Form 10-K but can be found in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Part II, Item 7 of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
All comparisons in this discussion are to the corresponding prior year unless otherwise indicated.
Industry Conditions.
The worldwide reinsurance and insurance businesses are highly competitive, as well as cyclical by product and market. As such, financial results tend to fluctuate with periods of constrained availability, higher rates and stronger profits followed by periods of abundant capacity, lower rates and constrained profitability. Competition in the types of reinsurance and insurance business that we underwrite is based on many factors, including the perceived overall financial strength of the reinsurer or insurer, ratings of the reinsurer or insurer by A.M. Best and/or Standard & Poor’s, underwriting expertise, the jurisdictions where the reinsurer or insurer is licensed or otherwise authorized, capacity and coverages offered, premiums charged, other terms and conditions of the reinsurance and insurance business offered, services offered, speed of claims payment and reputation and experience in lines written. Furthermore, the market impact from these competitive factors related to reinsurance and insurance is generally not consistent across lines of business, domestic and international geographical areas and distribution channels.
We compete in the U.S., Bermuda and international reinsurance and insurance markets with numerous global competitors. Our competitors include independent reinsurance and insurance companies, subsidiaries or affiliates of established worldwide insurance companies, reinsurance departments of certain insurance companies, domestic and international underwriting operations, including underwriting syndicates at Lloyd’s of London and certain government sponsored risk transfer vehicles. Some of these competitors have greater financial resources than we do and have established long term and continuing business relationships, which can be a significant competitive advantage. In addition, the lack of strong barriers to entry into the reinsurance business and recently, the securitization of reinsurance and insurance risks through capital markets provide additional sources of potential reinsurance and insurance capacity and competition.
Worldwide insurance and reinsurance market conditions historically have been competitive. Generally, there was ample insurance and reinsurance capacity relative to demand, as well as additional capital from the capital markets through insurance linked financial instruments. These financial instruments such as side cars, catastrophe bonds and collateralized reinsurance funds, provided capital markets with access to insurance and reinsurance risk exposure. The capital markets demand for these products was being primarily driven by a low interest environment and the desire to achieve greater risk diversification and potentially higher returns on their investments. This increased competition was generally having a negative impact on rates, terms and conditions; however, the impact varies widely by market and coverage.
The industry continues to deal with the impacts of a global pandemic, COVID-19 and its subsequent variants. We activated our operational resiliency plan across our global footprint and all of our critical operations are functioning effectively from remote locations. We continue to service and meet the needs of our clients while ensuring the safety and health of our employees and customers.
Prior to the pandemic, there was a growing industry consensus that there was some firming of (re)insurance rates for the areas impacted by the recent catastrophes. The increased frequency of catastrophe losses in 2020 and 2021 appears to be further pressuring the increase of rates. As business activity continues to regain strength, rates also appear to be firming in most lines of business, particularly in the casualty lines that had seen
42
significant losses such as excess casualty and directors’ and officers’ liability. Other casualty lines are experiencing modest rate increase, while some lines such as workers’ compensation were experiencing softer market conditions. It is too early to tell what the impact on pricing conditions will be, but it is likely to change depending on the line of business and geography.
While we are unable to predict the full impact the pandemic will have on the insurance industry as it continues to have a negative impact on the global economy, we are well positioned to continue to service our clients. Our capital position remains a source of strength, with high quality invested assets, significant liquidity and a low operating expense ratio. Our diversified global platform with its broad mix of products, distribution and geography is resilient.
43
Financial Summary.
We monitor and evaluate our overall performance based upon financial results. The following table displays a summary of the consolidated net income (loss), ratios and shareholders’ equity for the periods indicated.
| Years Ended December 31, | Percentage Increase/(Decrease) | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2021/2020 | 2020/2019 | |||||||
| Gross written premiums | $ | 13,049.8 | $ | 10,482.4 | $ | 9,133.4 | 24.5% | 14.8% | ||||
| Net written premiums | 11,445.5 | 9,117.0 | 7,824.4 | 25.5% | 16.5% | |||||||
| REVENUES: | ||||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 10,406.4 | $ | 8,681.5 | $ | 7,403.7 | 19.9% | 17.3% | ||||
| Net investment income | 1,164.9 | 642.5 | 647.1 | 81.3% | (0.7)% | |||||||
| Net realized capital gains (losses) | 257.9 | 267.6 | 185.0 | (3.6)% | 44.7% | |||||||
| Other income (expense) | 37.0 | 6.5 | (4.6) | NM | (39.2)% | |||||||
| Total revenues | 11,866.3 | 9,598.1 | 8,231.2 | 23.6% | 16.6% | |||||||
| CLAIMS AND EXPENSES: | ||||||||||||
| Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses | 7,391.3 | 6,550.8 | 4,922.9 | 12.8% | 33.1% | |||||||
| Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees | 2,208.8 | 1,873.3 | 1,703.7 | 17.9% | 10.0% | |||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 582.6 | 511.2 | 440.9 | 14.0% | 16.0% | |||||||
| Corporate expenses | 67.8 | 41.1 | 33.0 | 65.0% | 24.7% | |||||||
| Interest, fees and bond issue cost amortization expense | 70.1 | 36.3 | 31.7 | 93.1% | 14.6% | |||||||
| Total claims and expenses | 10,320.6 | 9,012.8 | 7,132.2 | 14.5% | 26.4% | |||||||
| INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES | 1,545.6 | 585.3 | 1,099.0 | 164.1% | (46.7)% | |||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit) | 166.5 | 71.2 | 89.5 | 133.9% | (20.5)% | |||||||
| NET INCOME (LOSS) | $ | 1,379.1 | $ | 514.2 | $ | 1,009.5 | 168.2% | (49.1)% | ||||
| RATIOS: | Point Change | |||||||||||
| Loss ratio | 71.0% | 75.5% | 66.5% | (4.5) | 9.0 | |||||||
| Commission and brokerage ratio | 21.2% | 21.6% | 23.0% | (0.4) | (1.4) | |||||||
| Other underwriting expense ratio | 5.6% | 5.8% | 6.0% | (0.2) | (0.2) | |||||||
| Combined ratio | 97.8% | 102.9% | 95.5% | (5.1) | 7.4 | |||||||
| At December 31, | Percentage Increase/(Decrease) | |||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2021/2020 | 2020/2019 | |||||||
| Balance sheet data: | ||||||||||||
| Total investments and cash | $ | 29,673.3 | $ | 25,461.6 | $ | 20,748.5 | 16.5% | 22.7% | ||||
| Total assets | 38,185.3 | 32,711.5 | 27,244.0 | 16.7% | 20.1% | |||||||
| Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves | 19,009.5 | 16,322.1 | 13,531.3 | 16.5% | 20.6% | |||||||
| Total debt | 3,088.6 | 1,910.4 | 633.8 | 61.7% | 201.4% | |||||||
| Total liabilities | 28,046.1 | 22,985.3 | 18,111.1 | 22.0% | 26.9% | |||||||
| Shareholders' equity | 10,139.2 | 9,726.2 | 9,132.9 | 4.2% | 6.5% | |||||||
| Book value per share | 258.21 | 243.25 | 223.85 | 6.2% | 8.7% | |||||||
| (NM, not meaningful) | ||||||||||||
| (Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) |
44
Revenues.
Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 24.5% to $13.0 billion in 2021, compared to $10.5 billion in 2020, reflecting a $1.8 billion, or 24.5%, increase in our reinsurance business and a $0.8 billion, or 24.4%, increase in our insurance business. The increase in reinsurance premiums was due to increases in most lines of business, notably casualty pro rata business, casualty excess of loss business, property pro-rata business and property catastrophe excess of loss business, as well as $90.5 million positive impact from the movement of foreign exchange rates. The rise in insurance premiums was primarily due to increases in specialty casualty business, professional liability business and short-tail business, including property. Net written premiums increased by 25.5% to $11.4 billion in 2021, compared to $9.1 billion in 2020. This change is consistent with the change in gross written premiums. Premiums earned increased by 19.9% to $10.4 billion in 2020, compared to $8.7 billion in 2020. The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.
Other Income (Expense). We recorded other income of $37.0 million and $6.5 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively. The changes were primarily the result of fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We recognized foreign currency exchange income of $28.1 million in 2021 and foreign currency exchange expense of $7.3 million in 2020.
Claims and Expenses.
Incurred Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses. The following table presents our incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) for the periods indicated.
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current | Ratio %/ | Prior | Ratio %/ | Total | Ratio %/ | ||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | Year | Pt Change | Years | Pt Change | Incurred | Pt Change | |||||||||||
| 2021 | |||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 6,265.3 | 60.2% | $ | (9.1) | (0.1)% | $ | 6,256.2 | 60.1% | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 1,135.0 | 10.9% | — | —% | 1,135.0 | 10.9% | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 7,400.3 | 71.1% | $ | (9.1) | (0.1)% | $ | 7,391.3 | 71.0% | ||||||||
| 2020 | |||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 5,724.4 | 66.0% | $ | 401.4 | 4.7% | $ | 6,125.8 | 70.7% | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 425.0 | 4.9% | — | —% | 425.0 | 4.9% | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 6,149.4 | 70.9% | $ | 401.4 | 4.7% | $ | 6,550.8 | 75.5% | ||||||||
| 2019 | |||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 4,441.0 | 60.0% | $ | (93.6) | (1.3)% | $ | 4,347.4 | 58.7% | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 545.5 | 7.4% | 30.0 | 0.4% | 575.5 | 7.8% | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 4,986.5 | 67.4% | $ | (63.6) | (0.9)% | $ | 4,922.9 | 66.5% | ||||||||
| Variance 2021/2020 | |||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 540.9 | (5.8) | pts | $ | (410.5) | (4.8) | pts | $ | 130.4 | (10.6) | pts | |||||
| Catastrophes | 710.0 | 6.0 | pts | — | — | pts | 710.0 | 6.0 | pts | ||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 1,250.9 | 0.2 | pts | $ | (410.5) | (4.8) | pts | $ | 840.4 | (4.6) | pts | |||||
| Variance 2020/2019 | |||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 1,283.4 | 6.0 | pts | $ | 495.0 | 6.0 | pts | $ | 1,778.4 | 12.0 | pts | |||||
| Catastrophes | (120.5) | (2.5) | pts | (30.0) | (0.4) | pts | (150.5) | (2.9) | pts | ||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 1,162.9 | 3.5 | pts | $ | 465.0 | 5.6 | pts | $ | 1,627.9 | 9.0 | pts | |||||
| (Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) |
Incurred losses and LAE increased by 12.8% to $7.4 billion in 2021, compared to $6.6 billion in 2020, primarily due to an increase of $710.0 million in current year catastrophe losses and a rise of $540.9 million in current year
45
attritional losses, partially offset by more favorable development on prior years attritional losses mainly related to $400.0 million of reserve strengthening in the 4th quarter of 2020 which did not recur in 2021. The increase in current year attritional losses was mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned, partially mitigated by $511.1 million of COVID-19 Pandemic losses incurred in 2020. The current year catastrophe losses of $1.1 billion in 2021 related primarily to Hurricane Ida ($460.0 million), the Texas winter storms ($294.4 million) the European floods ($242.1 million) , the Canada drought loss ($80.0 million) and the Quad state tornadoes ($45.0 million) with the rest of the losses emanating from the South Africa riots and the 2021 Australia floods. The $425.0 million of current year catastrophe losses in 2020 related to Hurricane Laura ($124.0 million), the Northern California wildfires ($44.1 million), Hurricane Zeta ($40.0 million), Hurricane Sally ($32.8 million), the California Glass wildfire ($29.5 million), Nashville tornadoes ($22.9 million), the Derecho storms ($20.5 million), Hurricane Isaias ($20.0 million), Hurricane Delta ($20.0 million), the Oregon wildfires ($17.0 million), the Calgary storms in Canada ($14.7 million), the 2020 U.S. civil unrest ($14.5 million), the Queensland Hailstorm ($10.0 million), the 2020 Australia fires ($8.2 million) and the Australia East Coast Storm ($6.8 million).
Commission, Brokerage, Taxes and Fees. Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees increased by 17.9% to $2.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $1.9 billion for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase was primarily due to the impact of the increases in premiums earned and changes in the mix of business.
Other Underwriting Expenses. Other underwriting expenses were $582.6 million and $511.2 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively. The increase in other underwriting expenses in 2021 was mainly due to the continued build out of our insurance operations and the growth of the Group overall; broadly in line with the year over year increase in premiums earned.
Corporate Expenses. Corporate expenses, which are general operating expenses that are not allocated to segments, were $67.8 million and $41.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The increase from 2020 to 2021 was mainly due to costs associated with the relocation of our U.S. corporate offices and higher compensation expenses from an increased staff count.
Interest, Fees and Bond Issue Cost Amortization Expense. Interest, fees and other bond amortization expense was $70.1 million and $36.3 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to the issuance of $1.0 billion of senior notes in October 2020 and the issuance of $1.0 billion of senior notes in October 2021. Interest expense was also impacted by the movements in the floating interest rate related to the long term subordinated notes, which is reset quarterly per the note agreement. The floating rate was 2.54% as of December 31, 2021.
Income Tax Expense (Benefit). We had income tax expense of $166.5 million and $71.2 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively. Income tax expense is primarily a function of the geographic location of the Company’s pre-tax income and the statutory tax rates in those jurisdictions. The effective tax rate (“ETR”) is primarily affected by tax-exempt investment income, foreign tax credits and dividends. Variations in the ETR generally result from changes in the relative levels of pre-tax income, including the impact of catastrophe losses and net capital gains (losses), among jurisdictions with different tax rates.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act, enacted on March 27, 2020, provided that U.S. companies could carryback for five years net operating losses incurred in 2018, 2019 and/or 2020. This beneficial tax provision in the CARES Act enabled the Company to carryback its significant 2018 net operating losses to prior tax years with higher effective tax rates of 35% versus 21% in 2018 and later years. As a result, the Company was able to record a net income tax benefit from the five-year carryback of $32.5 million and obtain federal income tax cash refunds of $182.5 million including interest in 2020.
46
Net Income (Loss).
Our net income was $1.4 billion and $514 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively. The change was primarily driven by the financial component fluctuations explained above.
Ratios.
Our combined ratio decreased by 5.1 points to 97.8% in 2021, compared to 102.9% in 2020. The loss ratio component decreased 4.5 points in 2021 over the same period last year mainly due to $400.0 million of reserve strengthening in the fourth quarter of 2020 and COVID-19 Pandemic attritional losses incurred in 2020, neither of which recurred in 2021. These impacts to the loss ratio were partially offset by $710.0 million of additional current year catastrophe losses in 2021 compared to 2020. The commission and brokerage ratio components decreased to 21.2% in 2021 compared to 21.6% in 2020 mainly due to changes in the mix of business. The other underwriting expense ratios decreased slightly to 5.6% in 2021 compared to 5.8% in 2020.
Shareholders’ Equity.
Shareholders’ equity increased by $0.4 billion to $10.1 billion at December 31, 2021 from $9.7 billion at December 31, 2020, principally as a result of $1.4 billion of net income, $29.1 million of share-based compensation transactions and $23.5 million of net benefit plan obligation adjustments, net of tax, partially offset by $484.8 million of unrealized depreciation on investments net of tax, $246.7 million of shareholder dividends, the repurchase of 887,622 common shares for $225.1 million and $62.1 million of net foreign currency translation adjustments.
Consolidated Investment Results
Net Investment Income.
Net investment income increased by 81.3% to $1.2 billion in 2021 compared with investment income of $642.5 million in 2020. The increase was primarily the result of a significant increase in limited partnership income and higher income from other alternative investments. The limited partnership income primarily reflects increases in their reported net asset values. As such, until these asset values are monetized and the resultant income is distributed, they are subject to future increases or decreases in the asset value, and the results may be volatile.
The following table shows the components of net investment income for the periods indicated.
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||
| Fixed maturities | $ | 561.1 | $ | 542.4 | $ | 520.3 | ||
| Equity securities | 17.3 | 18.8 | 19.5 | |||||
| Short-term investments and cash | 1.3 | 5.0 | 17.6 | |||||
| Other invested assets | ||||||||
| Limited partnerships | 565.3 | 112.9 | 105.8 | |||||
| Other | 62.9 | 1.7 | 14.1 | |||||
| Gross investment income before adjustments | 1,207.9 | 680.7 | 677.3 | |||||
| Funds held interest income (expense) | 12.3 | 12.8 | 13.3 | |||||
| Future policy benefit reserve income (expense) | (1.1) | (1.2) | (1.4) | |||||
| Gross investment income | 1,219.1 | 692.2 | 689.2 | |||||
| Investment expenses | (54.2) | (49.8) | (42.1) | |||||
| Net investment income | $ | 1,164.9 | $ | 642.5 | $ | 647.1 | ||
| (Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) |
47
The following tables show a comparison of various investment yields for the periods indicated.
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annualized pre-tax yield on average cash and invested assets | 4.4 | % | 2.9 | % | 3.3 | % | ||
| Annualized after-tax yield on average cash and invested assets | 3.8 | % | 2.5 | % | 2.9 | % | ||
| Annualized return on invested assets | 5.3 | % | 4.0 | % | 4.3 | % |
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed income portfolio total return | 0.5 | % | 6.3 | % | 6.2 | % | ||
| Barclay's Capital - U.S. aggregate index | (1.5) | % | 7.5 | % | 8.7 | % | ||
| Common equity portfolio total return | 19.0 | % | 26.7 | % | 23.8 | % | ||
| S&P 500 index | 28.7 | % | 18.4 | % | 31.5 | % | ||
| Other invested asset portfolio total return | 36.5 | % | 8.3 | % | 9.9 | % |
The pre-tax equivalent total return for the bond portfolio was approximately 0.5% and 5.3%, respectively, in 2021 and 2020. The pre-tax equivalent return adjusts the yield on tax-exempt bonds to the fully taxable equivalent.
Our fixed income and equity portfolios have different compositions than the benchmark indexes. Our fixed income portfolios have a shorter duration because we align our investment portfolio with our liabilities. We also hold foreign securities to match our foreign liabilities while the index is comprised of only U.S. securities. Our equity portfolios reflect an emphasis on dividend yield and growth equities, while the index is comprised of the largest 500 equities by market capitalization.
48
Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses).
The following table presents the composition of our net realized capital gains (losses) for the periods indicated.
| Years Ended December 31, | 2021/2020 | 2020/2019 | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | Variance | Variance | |||||||||
| Gains (losses) from sales: | ||||||||||||||
| Fixed maturity securities, market value: | ||||||||||||||
| Gains | $ | 71.7 | $ | 79.6 | $ | 63.4 | $ | (7.9) | $ | 16.2 | ||||
| Losses | (55.2) | (81.8) | (35.3) | 26.6 | (46.5) | |||||||||
| Total | 16.5 | (2.2) | 28.1 | 18.7 | (30.3) | |||||||||
| Fixed maturity securities, fair value: | ||||||||||||||
| Gains | — | — | 0.4 | — | (0.4) | |||||||||
| Losses | — | (2.9) | - | 2.9 | (2.9) | |||||||||
| Total | — | (2.9) | 0.4 | 2.9 | (3.3) | |||||||||
| Equity securities, fair value: | ||||||||||||||
| Gains | 42.2 | 37.4 | 14.3 | 4.8 | 23.1 | |||||||||
| Losses | (14.6) | (46.4) | (10.1) | 31.8 | (36.3) | |||||||||
| Total | 27.6 | (9.0) | 4.1 | 36.6 | (13.1) | |||||||||
| Other Invested Assets | ||||||||||||||
| Gains | 10.0 | 7.7 | 6.8 | 2.3 | 0.9 | |||||||||
| Losses | (3.8) | (6.0) | (0.8) | 2.2 | (5.3) | |||||||||
| Total | 6.1 | 1.7 | 6.0 | 4.4 | (4.4) | |||||||||
| Short Term Investments | ||||||||||||||
| Gains | — | 1.3 | — | (1.3) | 1.3 | |||||||||
| Losses | — | - | — | - | — | |||||||||
| Total | — | 1.3 | — | (1.3) | 1.3 | |||||||||
| Total net realized capital gains (losses) from sales: | ||||||||||||||
| Gains | 123.9 | 126.1 | 84.9 | (2.1) | 41.2 | |||||||||
| Losses | (73.7) | (137.1) | (46.1) | 63.4 | (91.0) | |||||||||
| Total | 50.2 | (11.1) | 38.9 | 61.3 | (49.9) | |||||||||
| Allowance for credit losses: | (28.0) | (1.7) | — | (26.3) | (1.7) | |||||||||
| Other-than-temporary impairments: | — | — | (20.9) | — | 20.9 | |||||||||
| Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments: | ||||||||||||||
| Fixed maturities, fair value | — | 1.9 | 1.8 | (1.9) | 0.1 | |||||||||
| Equity securities, fair value | 235.7 | 278.5 | 165.2 | (42.8) | 113.3 | |||||||||
| Total | 235.7 | 280.4 | 167.0 | (44.7) | 113.4 | |||||||||
| Total net realized capital gains (losses) | $ | 257.9 | $ | 267.6 | $ | 185.0 | $ | (9.8) | $ | 82.7 | ||||
| (Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) |
Segment Results.
The Company’s operations are comprised of its Reinsurance segment and its Insurance segment. These segments are managed independently, but conform with corporate guidelines with respect to pricing, risk management, control of aggregate catastrophe exposures, capital, investments and support operations. Management generally monitors and evaluates the financial performance of these operating segments based upon their underwriting results.
49
The following discusses the underwriting results for each of our segments for the periods indicated.
Reinsurance.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the Reinsurance segment for the periods indicated.
| Years Ended December 31, | 2021/2020 | 2020/2019 | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | Variance | % Change | Variance | % Change | |||||||||||
| Gross written premiums | $ | 9,067.3 | $ | 7,281.7 | $ | 6,355.9 | $ | 1,785.6 | 24.5% | $ | 925.8 | 14.6% | ||||||
| Net written premiums | 8,535.6 | 6,767.6 | 5,732.3 | 1,768.0 | 26.1% | 1,035.3 | 18.1% | |||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 7,757.5 | $ | 6,466.1 | $ | 5,491.3 | $ | 1,291.4 | 20.0% | $ | 974.8 | 17.8% | ||||||
| Incurred losses and LAE | 5,556.4 | 4,933.4 | 3,675.2 | 623.0 | 12.6% | 1,258.2 | 34.2% | |||||||||||
| Commission and brokerage | 1,854.5 | 1,552.4 | 1,400.2 | 302.1 | 19.5% | 152.1 | 10.9% | |||||||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 199.1 | 175.7 | 160.8 | 23.4 | 13.3% | 14.9 | 9.3% | |||||||||||
| Underwriting gain (loss) | $ | 147.4 | $ | (195.4) | $ | 255.0 | $ | 342.9 | 175.4% | $ | (450.4) | (176.6)% | ||||||
| Point Chg | Point Chg | |||||||||||||||||
| Loss ratio | 71.6% | 76.3% | 67.0% | (4.7) | 9.3 | |||||||||||||
| Commission and brokerage ratio | 23.9% | 24.0% | 25.5% | (0.1) | (1.5) | |||||||||||||
| Other underwriting expense ratio | 2.6% | 2.7% | 2.9% | (0.1) | (0.2) | |||||||||||||
| Combined ratio | 98.1% | 103.0% | 95.4% | (4.9) | 7.6 | |||||||||||||
| (NM, not meaningful) | ||||||||||||||||||
| (Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) |
Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 24.5% to $9.1 billion in 2021 from $7.3 billion in 2020, primarily due to increases in most lines of business, notably casualty pro rata business, casualty excess of loss, property pro rata business and property catastrophe excess of loss business as well as a $90.5 million positive impact from the movement of foreign exchange rates. Net written premiums increased by 26.1% to $8.5 billion in 2021 compared to $6.8 billion in 2020, which is consistent with the change in gross written premiums. Premiums earned increased by 20.0% to $7.8 billion in 2021, compared to $6.5 billion in 2020. The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is primarily the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.
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Incurred Losses and LAE. The following table presents the incurred losses and LAE for the Reinsurance segment for the periods indicated.
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current | Ratio %/ | Prior | Ratio %/ | Total | Ratio %/ | ||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | Year | Pt Change | Years | Pt Change | Incurred | Pt Change | |||||||||||
| 2021 | |||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 4,581.8 | 59.1% | $ | (7.9) | (0.1)% | $ | 4,573.9 | 59.0% | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 982.5 | 12.7% | — | —% | 982.5 | 12.7% | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 5,564.3 | 71.8% | $ | (7.9) | (0.1)% | $ | 5,556.4 | 71.6% | ||||||||
| 2020 | |||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 4,179.5 | 64.6% | $ | 396.9 | 6.1% | $ | 4,576.4 | 70.7% | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 357.0 | 5.5% | — | —% | 357.0 | 5.5% | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 4,536.5 | 70.1% | $ | 396.9 | 6.1% | $ | 4,933.4 | 76.3% | ||||||||
| 2019 | |||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 3,177.5 | 57.9% | $ | (77.2) | (1.4)% | $ | 3,100.4 | 56.5% | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 541.5 | 9.9% | 33.4 | 0.6% | 574.8 | 10.5% | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 3,719.0 | 67.8% | $ | (43.8) | (0.8)% | $ | 3,675.2 | 67.0% | ||||||||
| Variance 2021/2020 | |||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 402.3 | (5.5) | pts | $ | (404.8) | (6.2) | pts | $ | (2.5) | (11.7) | pts | |||||
| Catastrophes | 625.5 | 7.2 | pts | — | — | pts | 625.5 | 7.2 | pts | ||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 1,027.8 | 1.7 | pts | $ | (404.8) | (6.2) | pts | $ | 623.0 | (4.5) | pts | |||||
| Variance 2020/2019 | |||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 1,002.0 | 6.7 | pts | $ | 474.1 | 7.5 | pts | $ | 1,476.0 | 14.2 | pts | |||||
| Catastrophes | (184.5) | (4.4) | pts | (33.4) | (0.6) | pts | (217.8) | (5.0) | pts | ||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 817.5 | 2.3 | pts | $ | 440.7 | 6.9 | pts | $ | 1,258.2 | 9.3 | pts | |||||
| (Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) |
Incurred losses increased by 12.6% to $5.6 billion in 2021, compared to $4.9 billion in 2020. The increase was primarily due to an increase of $625.5 million in current year catastrophe losses and an increase of $402.3 million in current year attritional losses, partially offset by more favorable development on prior years attritional losses mainly related to $400.0 million of reserve strengthening in the 4th quarter of 2020 which did not recur in 2021. The increase in current year attritional losses was mainly related to the impact of the increase in premiums earned, partially mitigated by $407.1 million of COVID-19 Pandemic losses incurred in 2020 which did not re-cur in 2021. The current year catastrophe losses of $982.5 million in 2021 related primarily to Hurricane Ida ($380.0 million), the Texas winter storms ($236.9 million), the European floods ($242.1 million), the Canada drought loss ($80.0 million and the Quad state tornadoes ($30.0 million, with the rest of the losses emanating from the 2021 South Africa riots and the 2021 Australia floods. The $357.0 million of current year catastrophe losses in 2020 related primarily to Hurricane Laura ($105.5 million), the Northern California wildfires ($44.1 million), Hurricane Zeta ($32.0 million), the California Glass wildfire ($29.5 million), Hurricane Delta ($18.0 million), Hurricane Isaias ($17.8 million), the Nashville tornadoes ($17.5 million), the Derecho storms ($17.5 million), the Oregon wildfires ($17.0 million), Hurricane Sally ($16.9 million), the Calgary storms in Canada ($12.2 million), the Queensland hailstorm ($10.0 million), the Australia fires ($8.2 million), the Australia East Coast storm ($6.8 million), and the 2020 U.S. Civil Unrest ($4.1 million).
Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage expense increased by 19.5% to $1.9 billion in 2021 compared to $1.6 billion in 2020. The increase was mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned and changes in the mix of business. Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $199.1 million in 2021 from $175.7 million in 2020. The increases were mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned.
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Insurance.
The following table presents the underwriting results and ratios for the Insurance segment for the periods indicated.
| Years Ended December 31, | 2021/2020 | 2020/2019 | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | Variance | % Change | Variance | % Change | |||||||||||
| Gross written premiums | $ | 3,982.5 | $ | 3,200.6 | $ | 2,777.5 | $ | 781.8 | 24.4% | $ | 423.2 | 15.2% | ||||||
| Net written premiums | 2,909.9 | 2,349.4 | 2,092.2 | 560.5 | 23.9% | 257.3 | 12.3% | |||||||||||
| Premiums earned | $ | 2,649.0 | $ | 2,215.4 | $ | 1,912.4 | $ | 433.6 | 19.6% | $ | 303.0 | 15.8% | ||||||
| Incurred losses and LAE | 1,834.8 | 1,617.4 | 1,247.7 | 217.4 | 13.4% | 369.7 | 29.6% | |||||||||||
| Commission and brokerage | 354.3 | 320.9 | 303.5 | 33.4 | 10.4% | 17.4 | 5.7% | |||||||||||
| Other underwriting expenses | 383.5 | 335.5 | 280.1 | 48.0 | 14.3% | 55.4 | 19.8% | |||||||||||
| Underwriting gain (loss) | $ | 76.3 | $ | (58.4) | $ | 81.1 | $ | 134.8 | 230.7% | $ | (139.5) | (172.0)% | ||||||
| Point Chg | Point Chg | |||||||||||||||||
| Loss ratio | 69.3% | 73.0% | 65.2% | (3.7) | 7.8 | |||||||||||||
| Commission and brokerage ratio | 13.4% | 14.5% | 15.9% | (1.1) | (1.4) | |||||||||||||
| Other underwriting expense ratio | 14.5% | 15.1% | 14.7% | (0.6) | 0.4 | |||||||||||||
| Combined ratio | 97.1% | 102.6% | 95.8% | (5.5) | 6.8 | |||||||||||||
| (Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) |
Premiums. Gross written premiums increased by 24.4% to $4.0 billion in 2021 compared to $3.2 billion in 2020. This rise was primarily related to increases in specialty casualty business, professional liability business and short-tail business, including property. Net written premiums increased by 23.9% to $2.9 billion in 2021 compared to $2.3 billion in 2020, which is consistent with the change in gross written premiums. Premiums earned increased 19.6% to $2.6 billion in 2021 compared to $2.2 billion in 2020. The change in premiums earned relative to net written premiums is the result of timing; premiums are earned ratably over the coverage period whereas written premiums are recorded at the initiation of the coverage period.
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Incurred Losses and LAE. The following table presents the incurred losses and LAE for the Insurance segment for the periods indicated.
| Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current | Ratio %/ | Prior | Ratio %/ | Total | Ratio %/ | ||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | Year | Pt Change | Years | Pt Change | Incurred | Pt Change | |||||||||||
| 2021 | |||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 1,683.5 | 63.6% | $ | (1.2) | —% | $ | 1,682.3 | 63.6% | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 152.5 | 5.8% | — | —% | 152.5 | 5.8% | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 1,836.0 | 69.4% | $ | (1.2) | —% | $ | 1,834.8 | 69.3% | ||||||||
| 2020 | |||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 1,544.9 | 69.7% | $ | 4.5 | 0.2% | $ | 1,549.4 | 69.9% | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 68.0 | 3.1% | — | —% | 68.0 | 3.1% | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 1,612.9 | 72.8% | $ | 4.5 | 0.2% | $ | 1,617.4 | 73.0% | ||||||||
| 2019 | |||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 1,263.4 | 66.1% | $ | (16.4) | (0.9)% | $ | 1,247.0 | 65.2% | ||||||||
| Catastrophes | 4.0 | 0.2% | (3.4) | (0.2)% | 0.7 | 0.0% | |||||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 1,267.5 | 66.3% | $ | (19.8) | (1.1)% | $ | 1,247.7 | 65.2% | ||||||||
| Variance 2021/2020 | |||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 138.6 | (6.1) | pts | $ | (5.7) | (0.2) | pts | $ | 132.9 | (6.3) | pts | |||||
| Catastrophes | 84.5 | 2.7 | pts | — | — | pts | 84.5 | 2.7 | pts | ||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 223.1 | (3.4) | pts | $ | (5.7) | (0.2) | pts | $ | 217.4 | (3.7) | pts | |||||
| Variance 2020/2019 | |||||||||||||||||
| Attritional | $ | 281.5 | 3.6 | pts | $ | 20.9 | 1.1 | pts | $ | 302.4 | 4.7 | pts | |||||
| Catastrophes | 64.0 | 2.9 | pts | 3.4 | 0.2 | pts | 67.3 | 3.1 | pts | ||||||||
| Total segment | $ | 345.4 | 6.5 | pts | $ | 24.3 | 1.3 | pts | $ | 369.7 | 7.8 | pts | |||||
| (Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) |
Incurred losses and LAE increased by 13.4% to $1.8 billion in 2021 compared to $1.6 billion in 2020. The increase was mainly due to an increase of $138.6 million in current year attritional losses and an increase in current year catastrophe losses of $84.5 million. The increase in current year attritional losses was primarily due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned, partially mitigated by $104.0 million of COVID-19 Pandemic losses incurred in 2020 which did not recur in 2021. The current year catastrophe losses of $152.5 million related to Hurricane Ida ($80.0 million), the Texas winter storms ($57.5 million) and the Quad State tornadoes ($15.0 million). The $68.0 million of current year catastrophe losses in 2020 related to Hurricane Laura ($18.5 million), Hurricane Sally ($15.9 million), the 2020 U.S. Civil Unrest ($10.4 million), Hurricane Zeta ($8.0 million), the Nashville tornadoes ($5.5 million), the Derecho storms ($3.0 million), the Calgary storms in Canada ($2.5 million), Hurricane Isaias ($2.2 million) and Hurricane Delta ($2.0 million).
Segment Expenses. Commission and brokerage increased by 10.4% to $354.3 million in 2021 compared to $320.9 million in 2020. The increase in 2021 was mainly due to the impact of the increase in premiums earned. Segment other underwriting expenses increased to $383.5 million in 2021 compared to $335.5 million in 2020. The increases were mainly due to the impact of the increases in premiums earned and increased expenses related to the continued build out of the insurance business.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The following is a summary of the critical accounting estimates related to accounting estimates that (1) require management to make assumptions about highly uncertain matters and (2) could materially impact the consolidated financial statements if management made different assumptions.
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Loss and LAE Reserves. Our most critical accounting estimate is the determination of our loss and LAE reserves. We maintain reserves equal to our estimated ultimate liability for losses and LAE for reported and unreported claims for our insurance and reinsurance businesses. Because reserves are based on estimates of ultimate losses and LAE by underwriting or accident year, we use a variety of statistical and actuarial techniques to monitor reserve adequacy over time, evaluate new information as it becomes known and adjust reserves whenever an adjustment appears warranted. We consider many factors when setting reserves including: (1) our exposure base and projected ultimate premiums earned; (2) our expected loss ratios by product and class of business, which are developed collaboratively by underwriters and actuaries; (3) actuarial methodologies and assumptions which analyze our loss reporting and payment experience, reports from ceding companies and historical trends, such as reserving patterns, loss payments and product mix; (4) current legal interpretations of coverage and liability; and (5) economic conditions. Our insurance and reinsurance loss and LAE reserves represent management’s best estimate of our ultimate liability. Actual losses and LAE ultimately paid may deviate, perhaps substantially, from such reserves. Our net income (loss) will be impacted in a period in which the change in estimated ultimate losses and LAE is recorded. See also ITEM 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” - Note 1 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
It is more difficult to accurately estimate loss reserves for reinsurance liabilities than for insurance liabilities. At December 31, 2021, we had reinsurance reserves of $13.9 billion, of which $173.6 million were loss reserves for A&E liabilities, and insurance loss reserves of $5.1 billion. A detailed discussion of additional considerations related to A&E exposures follows later in this section.
The detailed data required to evaluate ultimate losses for our insurance business is accumulated from our underwriting and claim systems. Reserving for reinsurance requires evaluation of loss information received from ceding companies. Ceding companies report losses to us in many forms dependent on the type of contract and the agreed or contractual reporting requirements. Generally, proportional/quota share contracts require the submission of a monthly/quarterly account, which includes premium and loss activity for the period with corresponding reserves as established by the ceding company. This information is recorded into our records. For certain proportional contracts, we may require a detailed loss report for claims that exceed a certain dollar threshold or relate to a particular type of loss. Excess of loss and facultative contracts generally require individual loss reporting with precautionary notices provided when a loss reaches a significant percentage of the attachment point of the contract or when certain causes of loss or types of injury occur. Our experienced claims staff handles individual loss reports and supporting claim information. Based on our evaluation of a claim, we may establish additional case reserves (ACRs) in addition to the case reserves reported by the ceding company. To ensure ceding companies are submitting required and accurate data, the Underwriting, Claim, Reinsurance Accounting and Internal Audit departments of the Company perform various reviews of our ceding companies, particularly larger ceding companies, including on-site audits of domestic ceding companies.
We sort both our reinsurance and insurance reserves into exposure groupings for actuarial analysis. We assign our business to exposure groupings so that the underlying exposures have reasonably homogeneous loss development characteristics and are large enough to facilitate credible estimation of ultimate losses. We periodically review our exposure groupings and we may change our groupings over time as our business changes. We currently use over 200 exposure groupings to develop our reserve estimates. One of the key selection characteristics for the exposure groupings is the historical duration of the claims settlement process. Business in which claims are reported and settled relatively quickly are commonly referred to as short tail lines, principally property lines. On the other hand, casualty claims tend to take longer to be reported and settled and casualty lines are generally referred to as long tail lines. Our estimates of ultimate losses for shorter tail lines, with the exception of loss estimates for large catastrophic events, generally exhibit less volatility than those for the longer tail lines.
We use similar actuarial methodologies, such as expected loss ratio, chain ladder reserving methods and Borhuetter Ferguson, supplemented by judgment where appropriate, to estimate our ultimate losses and LAE
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for each exposure group. Although we use similar actuarial methodologies for both short tail and long tail lines, the faster reporting of experience for the short tail lines allows us to have greater confidence in our estimates of ultimate losses for short tail lines at an earlier stage than for long tail lines. As a result, we utilize, as well, exposure-based methods to estimate our ultimate losses for longer tail lines, especially for immature accident years. For both short and long tail lines, we supplement these general approaches with analytically based judgments. We cannot estimate losses from widespread catastrophic events, such as hurricanes and earthquakes, using traditional actuarial methods. We estimate losses for these types of events based on information derived from catastrophe models, quantitative and qualitative exposure analyses, reports and communications from ceding companies and development patterns for historically similar events. Due to the inherent uncertainty in estimating such losses, these estimates are subject to variability, which increases with the severity and complexity of the underlying event.
Our key actuarial assumptions contain no explicit provisions for reserve uncertainty nor do we supplement the actuarially determined reserves for uncertainty.
Our carried reserves at each reporting date are management’s best estimate of ultimate unpaid losses and LAE at that date. We complete detailed reserve studies for each exposure group annually for our reinsurance and insurance operations. The completed annual reinsurance reserve studies are “rolled forward” for each accounting period until the subsequent reserve study is completed. Analyzing the roll-forward process involves comparing actual reported losses to expected losses based on the most recent reserve study. We analyze significant variances between actual and expected losses and also consider recent market, underwriting and management criteria to determine management’s best estimate of ultimate unpaid losses and LAE. As a result of these additional factors, in some instances the selected reserve level may be higher or lower than the actuarial indicated estimate.
Given the inherent variability in our loss reserves, we have developed an estimated range of possible gross reserve levels. A table of ranges by segment, accompanied by commentary on potential and historical variability, is included in “Financial Condition - Loss and LAE Reserves”. The ranges are statistically developed using the exposure groups used in the reserve estimation process and aggregated to the segment level. For each exposure group, our actuaries calculate a range for each accident year based principally on two variables. The first is the historical changes in losses and LAE incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) for each accident year over time; the second is volatility of each accident year’s held reserves related to estimated ultimate losses, also over time. Both are measured at various ages from the end of the accident year through the final payout of the year’s losses. Ranges are developed for the exposure groups using statistical methods to adjust for diversification; the ranges for the exposure groups are aggregated to the segment level, likewise, with an adjustment for diversification. Our estimates of our reserve variability may not be comparable to those of other companies because there are no consistently applied actuarial or accounting standards governing such presentations. Our recorded reserves reflect our best point estimate of our liabilities and our actuarial methodologies focus on developing such point estimates. We calculate the ranges subsequently, based on the historical variability of such reserves.
Asbestos and Environmental Exposures. We continue to receive claims under expired insurance and reinsurance contracts asserting injuries and/or damages relating to or resulting from environmental pollution and hazardous substances, including asbestos. Environmental claims typically assert liability for (a) the mitigation or remediation of environmental contamination or (b) bodily injury or property damage caused by the release of hazardous substances into the land, air or water. Asbestos claims typically assert liability for bodily injury from exposure to asbestos or for property damage resulting from asbestos or products containing asbestos.
Our reserves include an estimate of our ultimate liability for A&E claims. Our A&E liabilities emanate from Everest Re’s assumed reinsurance business. Liabilities related to Mt. McKinley’s direct business, which had been ceded to Bermuda Re previously, were retroceded to an affiliate of Clearwater Insurance Company in 2015, concurrent with the sale of Mt. McKinley to Clearwater Insurance Company. There are significant
55
uncertainties surrounding our estimates of our potential losses from A&E claims. Among the uncertainties are: (a) potentially long waiting periods between exposure and manifestation of any bodily injury or property damage; (b) difficulty in identifying sources of asbestos or environmental contamination; (c) difficulty in properly allocating responsibility and/or liability for asbestos or environmental damage; (d) changes in underlying laws and judicial interpretation of those laws; (e) the potential for an asbestos or environmental claim to involve many insurance providers over many policy periods; (f) questions concerning interpretation and application of insurance and reinsurance coverage; and (g) uncertainty regarding the number and identity of insureds with potential asbestos or environmental exposure.
Due to the uncertainties discussed above, the ultimate losses attributable to A&E, and particularly asbestos, may be subject to more variability than are non-A&E reserves and such variation could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and/or cash flows. See also ITEM 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” - Notes 1 and 3 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Reinsurance Recoverables. We have purchased reinsurance to reduce our exposure to adverse claim experience, large claims and catastrophic loss occurrences. Our ceded reinsurance provides for recovery from reinsurers of a portion of losses and loss expenses under certain circumstances. Such reinsurance does not relieve us of our obligation to our policyholders. In the event our reinsurers are unable to meet their obligations under these agreements or are able to successfully challenge losses ceded by us under the contracts, we will not be able to realize the full value of the reinsurance recoverable balance. In some cases, we may hold full or partial collateral for the receivable, including letters of credit, trust assets and cash. Additionally, creditworthy foreign reinsurers of business written in the U.S., as well as capital markets’ reinsurance mechanisms, are generally required to secure their obligations. We have established reserves for uncollectible balances based on our assessment of the collectability of the outstanding balances. The allowance for uncollectible reinsurance reflects management’s best estimate of reinsurance cessions that may be uncollectible in the future due to reinsurers’ unwillingness or inability to pay. The allowance for uncollectible reinsurance comprises an allowance and an allowance for disputed balances. Based on this analysis, the Company may adjust the allowance for uncollectible reinsurance or charge off reinsurer balances that are determined to be uncollectible.
Premiums Written and Earned. Premiums written by us are earned ratably over the coverage periods of the related insurance and reinsurance contracts. We establish unearned premium reserves to cover the unexpired portion of each contract. Such reserves, for assumed reinsurance, are computed using pro rata methods based on statistical data received from ceding companies. Premiums earned, and the related costs, which have not yet been reported to us, are estimated and accrued. Because of the inherent lag in the reporting of written and earned premiums by our ceding companies, we use standard accepted actuarial methodologies to estimate earned but not reported premium at each financial reporting date. These earned but not reported premiums are combined with reported earned premiums to comprise our total premiums earned for determination of our incurred losses and loss and LAE reserves. Commission expense and incurred losses related to the change in earned but not reported premium are included in current period company and segment financial results. See also ITEM 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” - Note 1 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The following table displays the estimated components of net earned but not reported premiums by segment for the periods indicated.
| At December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Dollars in millions) | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |||||
| Reinsurance | $ | 2,054.7 | $ | 1,774.4 | $ | 1,424.5 | ||
| Insurance | — | — | — | |||||
| Total | $ | 2,054.7 | $ | 1,774.4 | $ | 1,424.5 | ||
| (Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) |
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Investment Valuation. Our fixed income investments are classified for accounting purposes as available for sale and are carried at market value or fair value in our consolidated balance sheets. Our equity securities are all carried at fair value. Most securities we own are traded on national exchanges where market values are readily available. Some of our commercial mortgage-backed securities (“CMBS”) are valued using cash flow models and risk-adjusted discount rates. We hold some privately placed securities, less than 10% of the portfolio, that are either valued by investment advisors or the Company. In some instances, values provided by an investment advisor are supported with opinions from qualified independent third parties. The Company has procedures in place to review the values received from its investment advisors. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, our investment portfolio included $2.6 billion and $1.8 billion, respectively, of limited partnership investments whose values are reported pursuant to the equity method of accounting. We carry these investments at values provided by the managements of the limited partnerships and due to inherent reporting lags, the carrying values are based on values with “as of” dates from one month to one quarter prior to our financial statement date.
At December 31, 2021, we had unrealized gains, net of tax, of $239.4 million compared to unrealized gains, net of tax, of $724.2 million at December 31, 2020. Gains and losses from market fluctuations for investments held at market value are reflected as comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated balance sheets. Gains and losses from market fluctuations for investments held at fair value are reflected as net realized capital gains and losses in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Market value declines for the fixed income portfolio, which are considered credit related, are reflected in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss), as realized capital losses. We consider many factors when determining whether a market value decline is credit related, including: (1) we have no intent to sell and, more likely than not, will not be required to sell prior to recovery, (2) the length of time the market value has been below book value, (3) the credit strength of the issuer, (4) the issuer’s market sector, (5) the length of time to maturity and (6) for asset-backed securities, changes in prepayments, credit enhancements and underlying default rates. If management’s assessments change in the future, we may ultimately record a realized loss after management originally concluded that the decline in value was temporary. See also ITEM 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” - Note 1 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Financial Condition
Cash and Invested Assets. Aggregate invested assets, including cash and short-term investments, were $29.7 billion at December 31, 2021, an increase of $4.2 billion compared to $25.5 billion at December 31, 2020. This increase was primarily the result of $3.8 billion of cash flows from operations, $968.4 million of proceeds from the issuance of senior notes, $612.6 million in equity adjustments of our limited partnership investments, $209.0 million of proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) borrowings and $101.5 million in fair value re-measurements, partially offset by $542.3 million of pre-tax unrealized depreciation, $246.7 million paid out in dividends to shareholders, repurchases of 887,622 common shares for $225.1 million, $203.0 million of unsettled securities and $134.1 million due to fluctuations in foreign currencies.
The Company’s limited partnership investments are comprised of limited partnerships that invest in private equities. Generally, the limited partnerships are reported on a quarter lag. We receive annual audited financial statements for all of the limited partnerships which are prepared using fair value accounting in accordance with FASB guidance. For the quarterly reports, the Company staff performs reviews of the financial reports for any unusual changes in carrying value. If the Company becomes aware of a significant decline in value during the lag reporting period, the loss will be recorded in the period in which the Company identifies the decline.
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The table below summarizes the composition and characteristics of our investment portfolio as of the dates indicated.
| At December 31, | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | |||
| Fixed income portfolio duration (years) | 3.2 | 3.6 | ||
| Fixed income composite credit quality | A+ | AA- |
Reinsurance Recoverables.
Reinsurance recoverables for both paid and unpaid losses totaled $2.1 billion at December 31, 2021 and $2.0 billion at December 31, 2020. At December 31, 2021, $691.4 million, or 33.7%, was recoverable from Mt. Logan Re collateralized segregated accounts; $221.9 million, or 10.8%, was recoverable from Munich Re and $115.1 million, or 5.6%, was recoverable from Endurance Re. No other retrocessionaire accounted for more than 5% of our recoverables.
Loss and LAE Reserves. Gross loss and LAE reserves totaled $19.0 billion and $16.3 billion at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The following tables summarize gross outstanding loss and LAE reserves by segment, classified by case reserves and IBNR reserves, for the periods indicated.
| At December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case | IBNR | Total | % of | ||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | Reserves | Reserves | Reserves | Total | |||||||
| Reinsurance | $ | 5,415.0 | $ | 8,312.3 | $ | 13,727.3 | 72.2% | ||||
| Insurance | 1,546.2 | 3,562.4 | 5,108.6 | 26.9% | |||||||
| Total excluding A&E | 6,961.2 | 11,874.7 | 18,835.9 | 99.1% | |||||||
| A&E | 163.7 | 9.9 | 173.6 | 0.9% | |||||||
| Total including A&E | $ | 7,124.8 | $ | 11,884.7 | $ | 19,009.5 | 100.0% | ||||
| (Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) |
| At December 31, 2020 | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Case | IBNR | Total | % of | ||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | Reserves | Reserves | Reserves | Total | |||||||
| Reinsurance | $ | 5,092.7 | $ | 6,723.8 | $ | 11,816.5 | 72.4% | ||||
| Insurance | 1,282.1 | 3,005.7 | 4,287.9 | 26.3% | |||||||
| Total excluding A&E | 6,374.8 | 9,729.5 | 16,104.4 | 98.7% | |||||||
| A&E | 184.0 | 33.8 | 217.7 | 1.3% | |||||||
| Total including A&E | $ | 6,558.8 | $ | 9,763.3 | $ | 16,322.1 | 100.0% | ||||
| (Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) |
Changes in premiums earned and business mix, reserve re-estimations, catastrophe losses and changes in catastrophe loss reserves and claim settlement activity all impact loss and LAE reserves by segment and in total.
Our loss and LAE reserves represent management’s best estimate of our ultimate liability for unpaid claims. We continuously re-evaluate our reserves, including re-estimates of prior period reserves, taking into consideration all available information and, in particular, newly reported loss and claim experience. Changes in reserves resulting from such re-evaluations are reflected in incurred losses in the period when the re-evaluation is made. Our analytical methods and processes operate at multiple levels including individual contracts, groupings of like contracts, classes and lines of business, internal business units, segments, legal entities, and in the aggregate.
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In order to set appropriate reserves, we make qualitative and quantitative analyses and judgments at these various levels. Additionally, the attribution of reserves, changes in reserves and incurred losses among accident years requires qualitative and quantitative adjustments and allocations at these various levels. We utilize actuarial science, business expertise and management judgment in a manner intended to ensure the accuracy and consistency of our reserving practices. Nevertheless, our reserves are estimates, which are subject to variation, which may be significant.
There can be no assurance that reserves for, and losses from, claim obligations will not increase in the future, possibly by a material amount. However, we believe that our existing reserves and reserving methodologies lessen the probability that any such increase would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
We have included ranges for loss reserve estimates determined by our actuaries, which have been developed through a combination of objective and subjective criteria. Our presentation of this information may not be directly comparable to similar presentations of other companies as there are no consistently applied actuarial or accounting standards governing such presentations. Our recorded reserves are an aggregation of our best point estimates for approximately 200 reserve groups and reflect our best point estimate of our liabilities. Our actuarial methodologies develop point estimates rather than ranges and the ranges are developed subsequently based upon historical and prospective variability measures.
The following table below represents the reserve levels and ranges for each of our business segments for the period indicated.
| Outstanding Reserves and Ranges By Segment (1) | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| As | Low | Low | High | High | ||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | Reported | Range % | Range | Range % | Range | |||||||||
| Gross Reserves By Segment | ||||||||||||||
| Reinsurance | $ | 13,727.3 | -8.1% | $ | 12,610.3 | 8.5% | $ | 14,899.2 | ||||||
| Insurance | 5,108.6 | -8.2% | 4,692.2 | 8.8% | 5,557.6 | |||||||||
| Total Gross Reserves (excluding A&E) | 18,835.9 | -8.1% | 17,302.4 | 8.6% | 20,456.7 | |||||||||
| A&E (All Segments) | 173.6 | -13.7% | 149.8 | 13.7% | 197.4 | |||||||||
| Total Gross Reserves | $ | 19,009.5 | -8.2% | 17,452.2 | 8.7% | 20,654.1 | ||||||||
| (Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) |
______________________________________________________
(1)
There can be no assurance that reserves will not ultimately exceed the indicated ranges requiring additional income (loss) statement expense.
Depending on the specific segment, the range derived for the loss reserves, excluding reserves for A&E exposures, ranges from minus 8.1% to minus 8.2% for the low range and from plus 8.5% to plus 8.8% for the high range. Both the higher and lower ranges are associated with the Insurance segment. The size of the range is dependent upon the level of confidence associated with the reserve estimates. Within each range, management’s best estimate of loss reserves is based upon the point estimate derived by our actuaries in detailed reserve studies. Such ranges are necessarily subjective due to the lack of generally accepted actuarial standards with respect to their development. For the above presentation, we have assumed what we believe is a reasonable confidence level but note that there can be no assurance that our claim obligations will not vary outside of these ranges
Additional losses, including those relating to latent injuries, and other exposures, which are as yet unrecognized, the type or magnitude of which cannot be foreseen by us or the reinsurance and insurance industry generally, may emerge in the future. Such future emergence, to the extent not covered by existing retrocessional contracts, could have material adverse effects on our future financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
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Asbestos and Environmental Exposures. A&E exposures represent a separate exposure group for monitoring and evaluating reserve adequacy.
With respect to asbestos only, at December 31, 2021, we had net asbestos loss reserves of $155.9 million, or 99.9%, of total net A&E reserves, all of which was for assumed business.
See Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of Asbestos and Environmental Exposures.
Ultimate loss projections for A&E liabilities cannot be accomplished using standard actuarial techniques. We believe that our A&E reserves represent management’s best estimate of the ultimate liability; however, there can be no assurance that ultimate loss payments will not exceed such reserves, perhaps by a significant amount.
Industry analysts use the “survival ratio” to compare the A&E reserves among companies with such liabilities. The survival ratio is typically calculated by dividing a company’s current net reserves by the three year average of annual paid losses. Hence, the survival ratio equals the number of years that it would take to exhaust the current reserves if future loss payments were to continue at historical levels. Using this measurement, our net three year asbestos survival ratio was 4.9 years at December 31, 2021. These metrics can be skewed by individual large settlements occurring in the prior three years and therefore, may not be indicative of the timing of future payments.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Capital. Shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was $10.1 billion and $9.7 billion, respectively. Management’s objective in managing capital is to ensure its overall capital level, as well as the capital levels of its operating subsidiaries, exceed the amounts required by regulators, the amount needed to support our current financial strength ratings from rating agencies and our own economic capital models. The Company’s capital has historically exceeded these benchmark levels.
Our two main operating companies Bermuda Re and Everest Re are regulated by the Bermuda Monetary Authority (“BMA”) and the State of Delaware, Department of Insurance, respectively. Both regulatory bodies have their own capital adequacy models based on statutory capital as opposed to GAAP basis equity. Failure to meet the required statutory capital levels could result in various regulatory restrictions, including business activity and the payment of dividends to their parent companies.
The regulatory targeted capital and the actual statutory capital for Bermuda Re and Everest Re were as follows:
| Bermuda Re (1) | Everest Re (2) | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At December 31, | At December 31, | ||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2021 (3) | 2020 (3) | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||
| Regulatory targeted capital | $ | - | $ | 1,923.2 | $ | 2,940.9 | $ | 2,489.8 | |||
| Actual capital | $ | 3,092.3 | $ | 2,930.3 | $ | 5,789.5 | $ | 5,276.0 |
(1) Regulatory targeted capital represents the target capital level from the applicable year's BSCR calculation.
(2) Regulatory targeted capital represents 200% of the RBC authorized control level calculation for the applicable year.
(3) The 2021 BSCR calculation is not yet due to be completed; however, the Company anticipates that Bermuda Re's December 31, 2021 actual capital will exceed the targeted capital level.
Our financial strength ratings as determined by A.M. Best, Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s are important as they provide our customers and investors with an independent assessment of our financial strength using a rating scale that provides for relative comparisons. We continue to possess significant financial flexibility and access to debt and equity markets as a result of our financial strength, as evidenced by the financial strength ratings as assigned by independent rating agencies. See also ITEM 1, Business – “Financial Strength Ratings”.
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We maintain our own economic capital models to monitor and project our overall capital, as well as, the capital at our operating subsidiaries. A key input to the economic models is projected income and this input is continually compared to actual results, which may require a change in the capital strategy.
In 2021, we repurchased 887,622 shares for $225.1 million in the open market and paid $246.7 million in dividends to adjust our capital position and enhance long term expected returns to our shareholders. During 2020, we repurchased 970,892 shares for $200.0 million in the open market and paid $249.1 million in dividends. We may at times enter into a Rule 10b5-1 repurchase plan agreement to facilitate the repurchase of shares. On May 22, 2020, our existing Board authorization to purchase up to 30 million of our shares was amended to authorize the purchase of up to 32 million shares. As of December 31, 2021, we had repurchased 30.5 million shares under this authorization.
We also repurchased $13.2 million of our long-term subordinated notes in 2020. We recognized a realized gain of $2.5 million on the repurchase. We may continue, from time to time, to seek to retire portions of our outstanding debt securities through cash repurchases, in open-market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Such repurchases, if any, will be subject to and depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved in any such transactions, individually or in the aggregate, may be material.
On October 7, 2020, we issued an additional $1.0 billion of 30 year senior notes with an interest coupon rate of 3.5%. These senior notes will mature on October 15, 2050 and will pay interest semi-annually.
On October 4, 2021, we issued an additional $1.0 billion of 31 year senior notes with an interest coupon rate of 3.125%. These senior notes will mature on October 15, 2052 and will pay interest semi-annually.
Liquidity. Our liquidity requirements are generally met from positive cash flow from operations. Positive cash flow results from reinsurance and insurance premiums being collected prior to disbursements for claims, which disbursements generally take place over an extended period after the collection of premiums, sometimes a period of many years. Collected premiums are generally invested, prior to their use in such disbursements, and investment income provides additional funding for loss payments. Our net cash flows from operating activities were $3.8 billion and $2.9 billion for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Additionally, these cash flows reflected net tax payments of $98.0 million and net tax recoveries of $169.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, as well as net catastrophe loss payments of $834.1 million and $661.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
If disbursements for claims and benefits, policy acquisition costs and other operating expenses were to exceed premium inflows, cash flow from reinsurance and insurance operations would be negative. The effect on cash flow from insurance operations would be partially offset by cash flow from investment income. Additionally, cash inflows from investment maturities and dispositions, both short-term investments and longer term maturities are available to supplement other operating cash flows.
As the timing of payments for claims and benefits cannot be predicted with certainty, we maintain portfolios of long term invested assets with varying maturities, along with short-term investments that provide additional liquidity for payment of claims. At December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we held cash and short-term investments of $2.6 billion and $1.9 billion, respectively. Our short-term investments are generally readily marketable and can be converted to cash. In addition to these cash and short-term investments, at December 31, 2021, we had $1.4 billion of available for sale fixed maturity securities maturing within one year or less, $7.2 billion maturing within one to five years and $6.7 billion maturing after five years. Our $1.8 billion of equity securities are comprised primarily of publicly traded securities that can be easily liquidated. We believe that these fixed maturity and equity securities, in conjunction with the short-term investments and positive cash flow from operations, provide ample sources of liquidity for the expected payment of losses in the near future. We do not anticipate selling a significant amount of securities or using available credit facilities to pay losses
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and LAE but have the ability to do so. Sales of securities might result in realized capital gains or losses. At December 31, 2021 we had $274.4 million of net pre-tax unrealized appreciation related to fixed maturity securities, comprised of $477.5 million of pre-tax unrealized appreciation and $203.1 million of pre-tax unrealized depreciation.
Management generally expects annual positive cash flow from operations, which reflects the strength of overall pricing. However, given the recent set of catastrophic events, cash flow from operations may decline and could become negative in the near term as significant claim payments are made related to the catastrophes. However, as indicated above, the Company has ample liquidity to settle its catastrophe claims.
In addition to our cash flows from operations and liquid investments, we also have multiple active credit facilities that provide commitments of up to $1.2 billion of collateralized standby letters of credit to support business written by our Bermuda operating subsidiaries. In addition, the Company has the ability to request access to an additional $340.0 million of uncommitted credit facilities, which would require approval from the applicable lender. There is no guarantee the uncommitted capacity will be available to us on a future date.
Effective May 26, 2016, Group, Bermuda Re and Everest International entered into a five year, $800.0 million senior credit facility with a syndicate of lenders. The May 26, 2016 senior credit facility is referred to as the “2016 Group Credit Facility”. Wells Fargo Corporation (“Wells Fargo Bank”) is the administrative agent for the 2016 Group Credit Facility.
Effective May 26, 2021, the term of the 2016 Group Credit Facility expired. The Company elected not to renew this facility to allow for the replacement by other collateralized letter of credit facilities such as those described below. As a result of the non-renewal in May 2021, letter of credit commitment/availability in the 2016 Group Credit Facility as of December 21, 2021 is limited only to the remaining $39.2 million of letters of credit currently in force and scheduled to expire in 2022. No additional letters of credit will be issued under the 2016 Group Credit Facility, and the facility will be dormant once the remaining letters of credit have expired. As of December 31, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all Group Credit Facility covenants.
At December 31, 2020, the Company had no outstanding short-term borrowings from the Group Credit Facility revolving credit line. At December 31, 2020, the Group Credit Facility had $164.2 million outstanding letters of credit under tranche one and $589.7 million outstanding letters of credit under tranche two.
Effective August 9, 2021 Bermuda Re entered into a new letter of credit issuance facility with Citibank N.A. which superseded the previous letter of credit issuance facility with Citibank N.A. that was effective December 31, 2020. Both of these agreements are referred to as the “Bermuda Re Citibank Letter of Credit Facility”. The current Bermuda Re Letter of Credit Facility provides for the committed issuance of up to $230.0 million of secured letters of credit. In addition, the facility provides for the uncommitted issuance of up to $140.0 million, which may be accessible via written request by the Company and corresponding authorization from Citibank N.A.
At December 31, 2021 the Bermuda Re Citibank Letter of Credit Facility had $333.4 million of outstanding letters of credit - $226.5 million outstanding from the committed portion of the credit facility and $106.9 million outstanding from the uncommitted portion of the credit facility. At December 31, 2020, the Bermuda Re Citibank Letter of Credit Facility had $185.5 million of outstanding letters of credit.
Effective February 23, 2021, Bermuda Re entered into a letter of credit issuance facility with Wells Fargo referred to as the “Bermuda Re Wells Fargo Bilateral Letter of Credit Facility.” The Bermuda Re Wells Fargo Bilateral Letter of Credit Facility originally provided for the issuance of up to $50.0 million of secured letters of credit. Effective May 5, 2021, the agreement was amended to provide for the issuance of up to $500.0 million of secured letters of credit.
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At December 31, 2021, the Bermuda Re Wells Fargo Bilateral Letter of Credit Facility had $351.5 million of outstanding letters of credit.
Effective August 27, 2021 Bermuda Re entered into a letter of credit issuance facility with Bayerische Landesbank, an agreement referred to as the “Bermuda Re Bayerische Landesbank Credit Facility”. The Bermuda Re Bayerische Landesbank Credit Facility provides for the committed issuance of up to $200.0 million of secured letters of credit.
At December 31, 2021, the Bermuda Re Bayerische Landesbank Credit Facility had $154.7 million of outstanding letters of credit.
Effective October 8, 2021 Bermuda Re entered into a letter of credit issuance facility with Lloyd’s Bank Corporate Markets PLC, an agreement referred to as the “Bermuda Re Lloyd’s Bank Credit Facility”. The Bermuda Re Lloyd’s Bank Credit Facility provides for the committed issuance of up to $50.0 million of secured letters of credit, and subject to credit approval a maximum total facility amount of $250.0 million.
At December 31, 2021, the Bermuda Re Lloyd’s Bank Credit Facility had $46.0 million of outstanding letters of credit.
Effective November 3, 2021 Bermuda Re entered into a letter of credit issuance facility with Barclays Bank PLC, an agreement referred to as the “Bermuda Re Barclays Credit Facility”. The Bermuda Re Barclays Credit Facility provides for the committed issuance of up to $200.0 million of secured letters of credit.
At December 31, 2021, the Bermuda Re Barclays Credit Facility had $186.3 million of outstanding letters of credit.
Effective May 12, 2020, Everest International amended its credit facility with Lloyds Bank plc (“Everest International Credit Facility”). The current amendment of the Everest International Credit Facility provided up to £52.2 million for the issuance of standby letters of credit on a collateralized basis. However, the Everest International Credit Facility was subsequently cancelled effective December 20, 2021 and was no longer available for use.
At December 31, 2021 and 2020, Everest International Credit Facility had £0.0 million and £52.2 outstanding letters of credit, respectively.
Costs incurred in connection with the various credit facilities were $0.2 million and $0.7 million for December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Everest Re is a member of the Federal Home Loan Banks (“FHLB”) organization, which allows Everest Re to borrow up to 10% of its statutory admitted assets. As of December 31, 2021, Everest Re had admitted assets of approximately $20.3 billion which provides borrowing capacity of up to approximately $2.0 billion. As of December 31, 2021, Everest Re had $519.0 million of outstanding borrowings are scheduled to mature in the fourth quarter of 2022 and have interest rates payable between 0.53% and 0.65%.
Exposure to Catastrophes. Like other insurance and reinsurance companies, we are exposed to multiple insured losses arising out of a single occurrence, whether a natural event, such as a hurricane or an earthquake, or other catastrophe, such as an explosion at a major factory. A large catastrophic event can be expected to generate insured losses to multiple reinsurance treaties, facultative certificates and direct insurance policies across various lines of business.
We focus on potential losses that could result from any single event, or series of events as part of our evaluation and monitoring of our aggregate exposures to catastrophic events. Accordingly, we employ various techniques to estimate the amount of loss we could sustain from any single catastrophic event or series of events in various
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geographic areas. These techniques range from deterministic approaches, such as tracking aggregate limits exposed in catastrophe-prone zones and applying reasonable damage factors, to modeled approaches that attempt to scientifically measure catastrophe loss exposure using sophisticated Monte Carlo simulation techniques that forecast frequency and severity of potential losses on a probabilistic basis.
No single computer model or group of models is currently capable of projecting the amount and probability of loss in all global geographic regions in which we conduct business. In addition, the form, quality and granularity of underwriting exposure data furnished by (re)insureds is not uniformly compatible with the data requirements for our licensed models, which adds to the inherent imprecision in the potential loss projections. Further, the results from multiple models and analytical methods must be combined to estimate potential losses by and across business units. Also, while most models have been updated to incorporate claims information from recent catastrophic events, catastrophe model projections are still inherently imprecise. In addition, uncertainties with respect to future climatic patterns and cycles could add further uncertainty to loss projections from models based on historical data.
Nevertheless, when combined with traditional risk management techniques and sound underwriting judgment, catastrophe models are a useful tool for underwriters to price catastrophe exposed risks and for providing management with quantitative analyses with which to monitor and manage catastrophic risk exposures by zone and across zones for individual and multiple events.
Projected catastrophe losses are generally summarized in terms of the PML. We define PML as our anticipated loss, taking into account contract terms and limits, caused by a single catastrophe affecting a broad contiguous geographic area, such as that caused by a hurricane or earthquake. The PML will vary depending upon the modeled simulated losses and the make-up of the in force book of business. The projected severity levels are described in terms of “return periods”, such as “100-year events” and “250-year events”. For example, a 100-year PML is the estimated loss to the current in-force portfolio from a single event which has a 1% probability of being exceeded in a twelve month period. In other words, it corresponds to a 99% probability that the loss from a single event will fall below the indicated PML. It is important to note that PMLs are estimates. Modeled events are hypothetical events produced by a stochastic model. As a result, there can be no assurance that any actual event will align with the modeled event or that actual losses from events similar to the modeled events will not vary materially from the modeled event PML.
From an enterprise risk management perspective, management sets limits on the levels of catastrophe loss exposure we may underwrite. The limits are revised periodically based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to our financial resources and expected earnings and risk/reward analyses of the business being underwritten.
Management estimates that the projected net economic loss from its largest 100-year event in a given zone represents approximately 4.8% of its December 31, 2021 shareholders’ equity. Economic loss is the PML exposure, net of third party reinsurance, reduced by estimated reinstatement premiums to renew coverage and estimated income taxes. The impact of income taxes on the PML depends on the distribution of the losses by corporate entity, which is also affected by inter-affiliate reinsurance. Management also monitors and controls its largest PMLs at multiple points along the loss distribution curve, such as loss amounts at the 20, 50, 100, 250, 500 and 1,000 year return periods. This process enables management to identify and control exposure accumulations and to integrate such exposures into enterprise risk, underwriting and capital management decisions.
Our catastrophe loss projections, segmented by risk zones, are updated quarterly and reviewed as part of a formal risk management review process.
We believe that our greatest worldwide 1 in 100 year exposure to a single catastrophic event is to an earthquake event affecting California, where we estimate we have a PML exposure, net of third party reinsurance, of $701
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million. See also table under ITEM 1, “Business - Risk Management of Underwriting and Retrocession Arrangements”.
If such a single catastrophe loss were to occur, management estimates that the economic loss to us would be approximately $483 million. The estimate involves multiple variables, including which Everest entity would experience the loss, and as a result there can be no assurance that this amount would not be exceeded.
We may purchase reinsurance to cover specific business written or the potential accumulation or aggregation of exposures across some or all of our operations. Reinsurance purchasing decisions consider both the potential coverage and market conditions including the pricing, terms, conditions, availability and collectability of coverage, with the aim of securing cost effective protection from financially secure counterparts. The amount of reinsurance purchased has varied over time, reflecting our view of our exposures and the cost of reinsurance.
Information Technology. Everest’s information technology is a key component of its business operations. Information technology systems and services are hosted at public and private cloud service providers across multiple datacenters with processing performed at the office locations of our operating subsidiaries and branches. We have implemented security procedures, and regularly assess and enhance our security protocols, to ensure that our key business systems are protected, secured and backed up at off-site locations so that they can be restored promptly if necessary. We have business continuity plans and disaster recovery plans along with periodic testing of those plans to ensure we are capable of providing uninterrupted technology services in the event of major systems outages with alternative secure datacenters available in case of broader outages.
Our business operations depend on the proper functioning and availability of our information technology platform, which includes data processing and related electronic communications. We communicate electronically internally and externally with our brokers, program managers, clients, third-party vendors, regulators, and others. These communications and the data we handle may include personal, confidential or proprietary information. We ensure that all our systems, data and electronic transmissions are appropriately protected with the latest technology safeguards and meet regulatory standards.
Despite these safeguards, a significant cyber incident, including system failure, security breach and disruption by malware or other damage could interrupt or delay our operations and possibly our results. This type of incident may result in a violation of applicable data security, privacy, or other laws, damage our reputation, cause a loss of customers or give rise to regulatory scrutiny as well as monetary fines and other penalties. Management is not aware of a cybersecurity incident that has had a material impact on our operations.
Expected Cash Outflows. The following table shows our significant expected cash outflows for the period indicated.
| Payments due by period | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Less than | More than | |||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | Total | 1 year | 1-3 years | 3-5 years | 5 years | |||||||||
| Senior notes | $ | 2,400.0 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 2,400.0 | ||||
| Long term notes | 225.4 | — | — | — | 225.4 | |||||||||
| Interest expense (1) | 2,697.6 | 91.8 | 183.6 | 183.6 | 2,238.6 | |||||||||
| Operating lease agreements | 204.1 | 21.1 | 40.9 | 33.3 | 108.8 | |||||||||
| Gross reserve for losses and LAE (2) | 19,009.5 | 2,083.9 | 7,454.0 | 4,053.1 | 5,418.5 | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 24,536.6 | $ | 2,196.8 | $ | 7,678.5 | $ | 4,270.0 | $ | 10,391.3 | ||||
| (Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) |
(1)
Interest expense on long term notes is calculated at the variable floating rate of 2.54% as of December 31, 2021.
(2)
Loss and LAE reserves represent management’s best estimate of losses from claim and related settlement costs. Both the amounts and timing of such payments are estimates, and the inherent variability of resolving claims as well as changes in market conditions make the timing of cash flows uncertain. Therefore, the ultimate amount and timing of loss and LAE payments could differ from our estimates.
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The cash outflows for senior notes and long term notes are the responsibility of Holdings. We strive to ensure that we have sufficient cash flow, liquidity, investments and access to capital markets to satisfy these obligations. Holdings generally depends upon dividends from Everest Re, its operating insurance subsidiary for its funding, capital contributions from Group or access to the capital markets. Our various operating insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries have sufficient cash flow, liquidity and investments to settle outstanding reserves for losses and LAE. Management believes that we, and each of our entities, have sufficient financial resources or ready access thereto, to meet all obligations.
Dividends.
During 2021 and 2020, we declared and paid common shareholder dividends of $246.7 million and $249.1 million, respectively. As an insurance holding company, we are partially dependent on dividends and other permitted payments from our subsidiaries to pay cash dividends to our shareholders. The payment of dividends to Group by Holdings Ireland and Everest Dublin Holdings is subject to Irish corporate and regulatory restrictions; the payment of dividends to Holdings Ireland by Holdings and to Holdings by Everest Re is subject to Delaware regulatory restrictions; and the payment of dividends to Group by Bermuda Re, Everest International or Mt. Logan Re is subject to Bermuda insurance regulatory restrictions. Management expects that, absent extraordinary catastrophe losses, such restrictions should not affect Everest Re’s ability to declare and pay dividends sufficient to support Holdings’ general corporate needs and that Holdings Ireland, Everest Dublin Holdings, Bermuda Re and Everest International will have the ability to declare and pay dividends sufficient to support Group’s general corporate needs. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, Everest Re paid no dividends to Holdings, and EGS paid no dividends to Holdings. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, Bermuda Re paid dividends to Group of $300.0 million and $650.0 million, respectively; Everest International paid dividends to Group of $274.3 million and $0.0 million, respectively; and Mt. Logan Re paid no dividends to Group. See ITEM 1, “Business – Regulatory Matters – Dividends” and ITEM 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” - Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Market Sensitive Instruments.
The SEC’s Financial Reporting Release #48 requires registrants to clarify and expand upon the existing financial statement disclosure requirements for derivative financial instruments, derivative commodity instruments and other financial instruments (collectively, “market sensitive instruments”). We do not generally enter into market sensitive instruments for trading purposes.
Our current investment strategy seeks to maximize after-tax income through a high quality, diversified, fixed maturity portfolio, while maintaining an adequate level of liquidity. Our mix of investments is adjusted periodically, consistent with our current and projected operating results and market conditions. The fixed maturity securities in the investment portfolio are comprised of non-trading available for sale securities. Additionally, we have invested in equity securities.
The overall investment strategy considers the scope of present and anticipated Company operations. In particular, estimates of the financial impact resulting from non-investment asset and liability transactions, together with our capital structure and other factors, are used to develop a net liability analysis. This analysis includes estimated payout characteristics for which our investments provide liquidity. This analysis is considered in the development of specific investment strategies for asset allocation, duration and credit quality. The change in overall market sensitive risk exposure principally reflects the asset changes that took place during the period.
Interest Rate Risk. Our $29.7 billion investment portfolio at December 31, 2021, is principally comprised of fixed maturity securities, which are generally subject to interest rate risk and some foreign currency exchange rate risk, and some equity securities, which are subject to price fluctuations and some foreign exchange rate risk. The overall economic impact of the foreign exchange risks on the investment portfolio is partially mitigated by changes in the dollar value of foreign currency denominated liabilities and their associated income statement impact.
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Interest rate risk is the potential change in value of the fixed maturity securities portfolio, including short-term investments, from a change in market interest rates. In a declining interest rate environment, it includes prepayment risk on the $3.4 billion of mortgage-backed securities in the $22.3 billion fixed maturity portfolio. Prepayment risk results from potential accelerated principal payments that shorten the average life and thus the expected yield of the security.
The tables below display the potential impact of market value fluctuations and after-tax unrealized appreciation on our fixed maturity portfolio (including $1.2 billion of short-term investments) for the period indicated based on upward and downward parallel and immediate 100 and 200 basis point shifts in interest rates. For legal entities with a U.S. dollar functional currency, this modeling was performed on each security individually. To generate appropriate price estimates on mortgage-backed securities, changes in prepayment expectations under different interest rate environments were taken into account. For legal entities with a non-U.S. dollar functional currency, the effective duration of the involved portfolio of securities was used as a proxy for the market value change under the various interest rate change scenarios.
| Impact of Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| -200 | -100 | - | 100 | 200 | ||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||
| Total Market/Fair Value | $ | 24,972.8 | $ | 24,229.7 | $ | 23,486.6 | $ | 22,743.5 | $ | 22,000.5 | ||||
| Market/Fair Value Change from Base (%) | 6.3% | 3.2% | -% | (3.2)% | (6.3)% | |||||||||
| Change in Unrealized Appreciation | ||||||||||||||
| After-tax from Base ($) | $ | 1,293.7 | $ | 646.8 | $ | - | $ | (646.8) | $ | (1,293.7) |
| Impact of Interest Rate Shift in Basis Points | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||
| -200 | -100 | - | 100 | 200 | ||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | ||||||||||||||
| Total Market/Fair Value | $ | 22,618.8 | $ | 21,897.0 | $ | 21,175.1 | $ | 20,453.3 | $ | 19,731.4 | ||||
| Market/Fair Value Change from Base (%) | 6.8% | 3.4% | -% | (3.4)% | (6.8)% | |||||||||
| Change in Unrealized Appreciation | ||||||||||||||
| After-tax from Base ($) | $ | 1,264.4 | $ | 632.2 | $ | - | $ | (632.2) | $ | (1,264.4) |
We had $19.0 billion and $16.3 billion of gross reserves for losses and LAE as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. These amounts are recorded at their nominal value, as opposed to present value, which would reflect a discount adjustment to reflect the time value of money. Since losses are paid out over a period of time, the present value of the reserves is less than the nominal value. As interest rates rise, the present value of the reserves decreases and, conversely, as interest rates decline, the present value increases. These movements are the opposite of the interest rate impacts on the fair value of investments. While the difference between present value and nominal value is not reflected in our financial statements, our financial results will include investment income over time from the investment portfolio until the claims are paid. Our loss and loss reserve obligations have an expected duration of approximately 4.0 years, which is reasonably consistent with our fixed income portfolio. If we were to discount our loss and LAE reserves, net of ceded reserves, the discount would be approximately $1.0 billion resulting in a discounted reserve balance of approximately $16.0 billion, representing approximately 68.2% of the value of the fixed maturity investment portfolio funds.
Equity Risk. Equity risk is the potential change in fair and/or market value of the common stock, preferred stock and mutual fund portfolios arising from changing prices. Our equity investments consist of a diversified portfolio of individual securities and mutual funds, which invest principally in high quality common and preferred stocks that are traded on the major exchanges, and mutual fund investments in emerging market debt. The primary objective of the equity portfolio is to obtain greater total return relative to our core bonds over time through market appreciation and income.
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The tables below display the impact on fair/market value and after-tax change in fair/market value of a 10% and 20% change in equity prices up and down for the period indicated.
| Impact of Percentage Change in Equity Fair/Market Values | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | -20% | -10% | 0% | 10% | 20% | |||||||||
| Fair/Market Value of the Equity Portfolio | $ | 1,460.7 | $ | 1,643.3 | $ | 1,825.9 | $ | 2,008.5 | $ | 2,191.1 | ||||
| After-tax Change in Fair/Market Value | $ | (290.1) | $ | (145.0) | $ | - | $ | 145.0 | $ | 290.1 |
| Impact of Percentage Change in Equity Fair/Market Values | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | -20% | -10% | 0% | 10% | 20% | |||||||||
| Fair/Market Value of the Equity Portfolio | $ | 1,177.8 | $ | 1,325.0 | $ | 1,472.2 | $ | 1,619.5 | $ | 1,766.7 | ||||
| After-tax Change in Fair/Market Value | $ | (234.0) | $ | (117.0) | $ | - | $ | 117.0 | $ | 234.0 |
Foreign Currency Risk. Foreign currency risk is the potential change in value, income and cash flow arising from adverse changes in foreign currency exchange rates. Each of our non-U.S./Bermuda (“foreign”) operations maintains capital in the currency of the country of its geographic location consistent with local regulatory guidelines. Each foreign operation may conduct business in its local currency, as well as the currency of other countries in which it operates. The primary foreign currency exposures for these foreign operations are the Canadian Dollar, the Singapore Dollar, the British Pound Sterling and the Euro. We mitigate foreign exchange exposure by generally matching the currency and duration of our assets to our corresponding operating liabilities. In accordance with FASB guidance, the impact on the market value of available for sale fixed maturities due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, in relation to functional currency, is reflected as part of other comprehensive income. Conversely, the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, in relation to functional currency, on other assets and liabilities is reflected through net income as a component of other income (expense). In addition, we translate the assets, liabilities and income of non-U.S. dollar functional currency legal entities to the U.S. dollar. This translation amount is reported as a component of other comprehensive income.
In January 2020, the United Kingdom exited the European Union (commonly referred to as "Brexit"). The Company has a Lloyd’s of London Syndicate and Bermuda Re has a branch operation in the United Kingdom. The nature and extent of the impact of Brexit on regulation, interest rates, currency exchange rates and financial markets is still uncertain and may adversely affect our operations.
The tables below display the potential impact of a parallel and immediate 10% and 20% increase and decrease in foreign exchange rates on the valuation of invested assets subject to foreign currency exposure for the periods indicated. This analysis includes the after-tax impact of translation from transactional currency to functional currency as well as the after-tax impact of translation from functional currency to the U.S. dollar reporting currency.
| Change in Foreign Exchange Rates in Percent | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | -20% | -10% | 0% | 10% | 20% | |||||||||
| Total After-tax Foreign Exchange Exposure | $ | (688.1) | $ | (344.1) | $ | - | $ | 344.1 | $ | 688.1 |
| Change in Foreign Exchange Rates in Percent | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | -20% | -10% | 0% | 10% | 20% | |||||||||
| Total After-tax Foreign Exchange Exposure | $ | (605.8) | $ | (302.9) | $ | - | $ | 302.9 | $ | 605.8 |
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Safe Harbor Disclosure.
This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws. We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements in the federal securities laws. In some cases, these statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect”, “plan”, “believe”, “predict”, “potential” and “intend”. Forward-looking statements contained in this report include information regarding our reserves for losses and LAE, the impact of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act, the adequacy of capital in relation to regulatory required capital, the adequacy of our provision for uncollectible balances, estimates of our catastrophe exposure, the effects of catastrophic and pandemic events on our financial statements, the ability of Everest Re, Holdings, Holdings Ireland, Dublin Holdings, Bermuda Re and Everest International to pay dividends and the settlement costs of our specialized equity index put option contracts. Forward-looking statements only reflect our expectations and are not guarantees of performance. These statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual events or results may differ materially from our expectations. Important factors that could cause our actual events or results to be materially different from our expectations include those discussed under the caption ITEM 1A, “Risk Factors”. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.